Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Steven Schaefer who currently is displayed on card number 4712 from the Superstars of 2025 Collection. Steven is a world record holder on the NES game Dr. Mario. He is also a wizard at puzzle games on home consoles. Other world records are for Yoshi’s Cookie as well as 10 other games on the NES. When Steven is not playing games, he plays pickleball and works on IT functionality.
When did you first start playing Dr. Mario and what were your expectations?
Probably around 1990 when it came out. Back then I just played with my family and friends for fun or pushing myself to see if I could finally beat level 20 and beyond!
What is your favorite NES game and why?
Oh man that’s so hard to choose! Probably Dr. Mario and Tetris (no surprise). But there are some classics as well like Super Mario Bros. 3, Ducktales and Super C!
What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘Dr. Mario’?
I can still hear that background music in my head after playing for hours until the next morning, as the sun came up haha! Also, the fact that I have a record and a trading card for the game is fun!
What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games? How do you compare them to older, classic games?
Obviously, they are a bit different, but I love the new games, along with the old. Most of the old games were a lot harder back then (even brutal!)
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
I would say ‘Pioneer’ or ‘Selfless’. I love what he started and how much he has done for people over the years so thank you Walter!
What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?
I will always play classic puzzle games and some newer ones on Switch 2 like Tetris 99 and Zelda: Breath Of The Wild and Trombone Champ. I also like to visit the local arcades that have grown here in Upstate, NY. I tried 2 pinball tournaments as well
What does it take to break a world record on a video game?
A lot of persistence and patience and honestly you just really need a lot of time. My Dr. Mario sessions could last 7 or more hours for each game. It was hard just recording a video for that long due to its size.
How does video game music influence games past and present?
Music is a large and fun part of good games. I love how it continues to evolve in games like Mario Kart World where they actually use a Live band it seems (according to the end credits)
Do you believe some video games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?
There has always been violence in games since I’ve been around them (the Mortal Kombat days). I think it’s important for parents to teach their kids about the separation from games and real life.
Do you prefer playing video games alone, against friends or online and why?
I have some amazing memories playing alone, conquering a game like Zelda all by myself, or getting a World Record obviously. The memories playing with friends were also so fun. N64 games like Goldeneye, Mario Party, and even Wheel of Fortune. Playing with all of the people in the neighborhood as a kid was an absolute blast!
Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a video game trading card?
No, definitely not! But I am honored to be on one now! Back then trading cards were mostly for Sports or TV/Movies.
Which company makes the best games and why?
As you can see im partial to Nintendo as they have released some classics in my lifetime, but I enjoy games from all companies.
Do you learn anything from playing video games?
Problem solving, and to be friendly in victory or defeat 😊
Where do you see video gaming in the next 10 years?
Classic/Retro Games continue to make a comeback along with a few arcades, Console gaming will continue to thrive with expansion in online play and VR games and simulation could on the rise.
How did you end up on the gameshow, “The Price is Right”?
That’s a very crazy story. Initially I won a contest on Instagram (which I totally forgot that I entered). The Grand Prize was a trip to California. It also included something wild… they were going to send us up in a Zero G Flight (aka the Vomit Comet) where I would float as if you were on the moon! After several days I finally flew out to LA a little early and had some time to kill. That night I was on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and stumbled across the star for Bob Barker! The next day I waited in line, and I got in. While sitting in the audience I heard that familiar phrase “Steve Schaefer Come on Down!!”. I was floored and I went on to win some fancy designer clothing and meet Drew Carey on stage, but sadly I missed the chance to win $20K! Honestly, I was just so happy to be there. The Zero G flight got cancelled that same evening, but they compensated me for my trip and gave us some prizes. It was the craziest day!
Are you still trying to break world records today, and if so, what game(s)?
Yes, I am actively breaking records as of this past week. So far, I have 7 World Records and just submitted my 8th record for review. Most of them have been puzzle type games across multiple consoles. I would love to get an Arcade record one day though!
Who is your favorite video game character and what makes that character special?
Mario has been there this whole time. It’s tough to think of one more iconic!
Do you find boss battles to be the best part of a video game?
Boss battles and the anticipation leading up definitely provide a level of excitement.
What is your favorite single player game and favorite multiplayer game?
Single Player: Zelda: A Link to the Past. For multiplayer there’s a couple: Dr. Mario (obviously), Goldeneye, Rockband, and any of the Tetris & Mario Kart games.
If you could design your own game, what would it be like and who would be the main character?
I used to want to design games when I was younger but found coding to be a bit dull. I think I just like to play them! A Wolverine game from Marvel would be fun (but after googling it looks like there may be one in development)
Who would you like to thank?
Thank you to my girlfriend, family and friends over the years for their support (and putting up with my long or late-night gaming sessions!) Thanks to all the video game creators, supporters and folks that sell all of the equipment. Thanks to the people who run the arcades and keep them going (or have in the past). And cheers to everyone I’ve gamed with over the years!
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