School
for
Poetic
Computation
Time & Its Manifestations is an all levels survey of how games use time, explicitly or implicitly. Students will play, write, and make, leaving with a small prototype or reflective project and deeper vocabulary for analyzing temporal mechanics.
Images courtesy of teachers.
How is “time” expressed or built into the structure of a game? This class examines games and play through the lens of time, exploring how games use time purposefully—or not. As a time-based medium, games (especially video games) have a unique relationship to the ticking clock.
Over five weeks, we will explore four ways of conceptualizing time in games: Turns, Frames, Space, Experience. Through examples, play, writing, and making, we’ll probe the complexities of this seemingly straightforward concept and the many ways it shapes game creation and play.
Students will be provided with example games and texts, but should also seek out their own examples based on class topics and discussion. Each class will begin with time for students to share work inspired by the material—such as a prototype, a written reflection, or a game example they found.
Computer with working camera/mic and internet connection. (Tablet/phone discouraged due to access limitations for some example games.)
No specific technical skills are required. This is not a game programming class. Students are expected to actively participate through play, writing, and creating playful media in whatever form they work in.
This class may be for you if you:
This class may NOT be for you if you:
LAWRA SUITS CLARK is a videogames artist, designer, and educator living in New York, and a co-founder of Babycastles Gallery, dedicated to showcasing contemporary independent videogames and other media by marginalized creators. Lawra's personal work involves climate fiction, absurdist futures, death positivity, ambient play, and game mechanic as poetic device.
They/Them
· website
· twitter
· instagram
Applications open until Applications closed on February 9, 2026.
You can expect to hear back from us about the status of your application on February 25, 2026. Please email us at admissions@sfpc.study with any questions you have.
For 5 classes, it costs $750 + processing fees, for a one-time payment. We also offer payment plans. Participants can schedule monthly payments of the same amount. First and last payments must be made before the start and end of class. *Processing fees apply for each payment.
SFPC processes all payments via Withfriends and Stripe. Please email admissions@sfpc.study if these payment options don't work for you.
For more information about what we look for in applicants, scholarships, and other frequently asked questions, please visit our applicant FAQ.
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