MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- A painter can create detailed vistas with a palate of colors. A writer can tell a heart wrenching story with pages of text. A Marine with the Reserve Support Unit here, can weave the two mediums together to create something for millions to enjoy.
Gunnery Sgt. Gerald V. Willis, the personnel processing center chief with the Reserve Support Unit aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, creates video games featuring vibrant graphics. He found his calling to this digital playground after years of playing games he enjoyed and hated.
“My instructor once asked me ‘why do you want to make video games?’ and I told him I wanted to make video games better than what people expect,” said the Columbus, Ga., native. “I want to use my time to make sure my games are well developed.”
While his motivation lies in creating ground-breaking entertainment, he also chose this career field while considering his future after the Marine Corps.
“Years ago I remember thinking about what I am going to do for a career after my orders are up,” said Willis. “Then, like a light bulb turning on, a commercial appeared on the television, advertising education in the video game industry. I thought since I’ve been playing games for so long now, why not make them.”
To help him break into the industry, he attended ITT Technical Institute of San Diego to obtain his associate and bachelor’s degree. For five years he studied all aspects of game design. He learned how to utilize character design, 3-D animation, storyboards, bump mapping and other essential elements that go into creating video games. In 2007, Willis helped bring to life a game demonstration after working with eight other students over a period of three months. The game involved puzzle solving with typed answers.
“In the game, ‘John’s Soul,’ you play as a lost soul who happens to be a stick figure on a sign,” said Willis. “This game’s objective is to find where your physical place in life is and where you belong. It was a basic student design. I was the technical director and writer and my main role was to make a presentable and professional design to market to investors.”
When Willis isn’t pursuing his education or playing video games, he works with the mobilized reserve Marines to resolve issues that arise.
“I make sure the Corps is sending accurate mobilization packages for the reserve Marines and I am the equal opportunity representative,” said Willis. “When the unit reservists who come upon training orders or have administrative issues, I work to correct the errors and keep them headed in the right direction.”
He attributes his career achievements to the lessons learned from playing and creating video games.
“Video games taught me to be non-linear with my approach to problems and how to attack problems from different angles with effective results,” said Willis. “Life throws things at you that test you, just like games challenge you to think hard about solving a puzzle or mission.”
Willis is currently working on his master’s degree in Information Systems Management, which will aid him in being hired for upper management level positions in the future. In the mean time he plans to finish his 20 year service to the Marine Corps.
“Gunny is a good leader and he takes care of us right away whenever we have administrative issues,” said Sgt. Anthony Rivas, a supply administrative clerk with the RSU who works with Willis. “He’s very outspoken, cheerful and a good mentor.”
While the first part of his college education is complete, he is only beginning his career in video games. In a few years, people might see Willis’ name in a game’s end credits after spending time in a universe he helped create.