School
for
Poetic
Computation
Using a combination of Black studies, and critical games analysis Damage Overflow Value is a class that maps the ways in which race appears in video games, both on a formal and aesthetic level (how we play them, what we see on screen), and on a structural one (labor, environmental impact). By approaching these constructed worlds as a form of speculative fiction, students will ask what kind of futures are being imagined for us, and what roles are we being made to play in that imagining? The class takes its title from the games development concept of the same name. In early role playing games, combat played out in an abstracted field due to graphical and processing limitations. Damage done to either side was rendered numerically, often with 9,999 being the max value possible that could be shown on screen. In some cases though, attacks would be strong enough to where an “overflow” would occur—unseen and unrendered, while being calculated in the background. This class tasks itself with unearthing the overflow, revealing the damage hidden just out of view, but still taking its toll on our communities. Disclaimer: While all racialized perspectives are welcome, this class will focus on how Blackness enters (or does not enter) video games.
Images courtesy of teachers.
Laptop with webcam and capability to run Twine; something to read ebooks/pdfs and watch movies on.
This class may be for you if you:
This class may NOT be for you if you:
Cameron A. Granger is an artist from Cleveland, Ohio, and Sandra’s son. A Ohio enthusiast, he makes work about the power structures that shape our cities, and how we make our lives therein. He’s an alumni of Euclid Public Schools.
He/him
· website
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Jaylyn is an interdisciplinary artist who follows their creative impulses wherever they lead, embracing curiosity over specialization. Her explorations span filmmaking, food, 3D modeling, writing, and design. With a love for observing the world and imagining new possibilities, she is passionate about uncovering the social underpinnings of her favorite subjects—film, video games, and pop music—and how their broad appeal shapes and reflects our world. Her work often explores connection, intimacy, and technology. Jaylyn was a contributing artist to the Open Source Afro Hair Library, a project dedicated to improving representation of Afro-textured hair in video gaming and fostering community among Black artists.
they/she
· instagram
Applications open until Applications closed on February 2, 2025.
You can expect to hear back from us about the status of your application on February 18, 2025. Please email us at admissions@sfpc.study with any questions you have.
For 10 classes, it costs $1200 + 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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Interested in more learning opportunities at the School for Poetic Computation? Join our newsletter to stay up to date on future sessions and events, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Support our programming through scholarships. Get in touch over email.