A comic strip submitted as a resume, drawn in the style of a text adventure, secured a programming position at Lucasfilm Games in 1989. This entry into the industry eventually led Tim Schafer to shift from implementing puzzles in the SCUMM engine to defining the narrative direction of some of the most influential titles in computer gaming history.
Early Career at LucasArts
Before joining Lucasfilm Games, Schafer studied computer science at the University of California, Berkeley. After an initially difficult phone interview with David Fox, he pivoted to his unconventional resume strategy. His early work involved supporting lead developers through "SCUMM University," which taught him the mechanics of puzzle design. His collaboration with Dave Grossman and Ron Gilbert on The Secret of Monkey Island and its sequel proved foundational, as they were responsible for approximately two-thirds of the dialogue. He transitioned to a lead design role with Day of the Tentacle, a time-travel adventure, followed by his first solo design project, the 1995 biker-themed game Full Throttle. Later, he developed Grim Fandango, a noir-inspired title that utilized imagery from the Mexican holiday Dia De Los Muertos.
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Take the IQ test →Establishing Double Fine
Schafer departed LucasArts in January 2000 to establish Double Fine Productions. The studio launched the platform title Psychonauts on the Xbox in April 2005. Despite garnering critical praise, the title suffered from poor initial sales, causing financial strain for the publisher, Majesco. Double Fine eventually regained the rights to the intellectual property in 2012, allowing the studio to re-release it with modern technical improvements. During this period, Schafer pioneered the Amnesia Fortnight initiative, an internal game jam inspired by the practices of director Wong Kar-Wai. This process allowed the studio to prototype concepts that were later expanded into full releases when main projects faced financial hurdles or cancellation by external publishers.
Industry Recognition
The development of Brütal Legend, released on October 13, 2009, represented Schafer's tribute to heavy metal culture, featuring voice work from Jack Black and various rock musicians. Following the cancellation of a sequel by Electronic Arts, the studio utilized smaller titles developed from previous game jams—such as Costume Quest, Stacking, Iron Brigade, and Once upon a Monster—to maintain financial stability. In 2018, Schafer received both a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Game Developers Choice Awards and a BAFTA Fellowship for his contributions to the medium. He was also recognized at the New York Game Awards in 2022.
Fast facts
- Born: 1967, Sonoma, United States
- Education: Sonoma Valley High School, University of California, Berkeley
- Company founded: Double Fine Productions (July 2000)
- Notable titles: Full Throttle, Grim Fandango, Psychonauts, Brütal Legend
- Awards: BAFTA Fellowship (2018), Game Developers Choice Lifetime Achievement (2018)
Questions readers ask
What was Tim Schafer's first game design role?
He co-designed the time-travel comedy adventure Day of the Tentacle alongside Dave Grossman.
What inspired the creation of the Amnesia Fortnights?
Schafer adopted the internal game jam structure after being inspired by the working methods of film director Wong Kar-Wai.
Achievements
- BAFTA Fellowship — 2018
- Educated at University of California, Berkeley and Sonoma Valley High School
- Worked as engineer, programmer and computer scientist
