Can videogames be a form of poetry? It’s a provocative question that challenges the traditional boundaries between art forms. While poetry is often seen as a medium for introspection and cultural critique, videogames are typically associated with industrialism, consumerism, and resource consumption—more often about conquering worlds than contemplating them. However, these assumptions can be subverted.
In this hands-on workshop, Jordan Magnuson will guide participants through the process of creating “game poems”—small, personal, and subversive videogames that prioritize reflection over reaction and symbolism over spectacle. Using accessible open-source tools such as Twine and Bitsy, attendees will learn how to craft interactive experiences that challenge traditional game design and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive digital culture.
Participants will leave the workshop with a completed “game poem” of their own, along with the skills and knowledge to continue exploring this unique form of creative expression. No prior game development experience is required, making this workshop suitable for artists, writers, and anyone interested in experimenting with digital storytelling and short-form game design.
NOTE: Attendees should bring their own laptop with them to this workshop. (A tablet or smartphone can work in a pinch, but not ideal.) Headphones are useful but optional.
Jordan Magnuson is an experimental game designer and new media artist who seeks to challenge and push out expectations around videogames. Jordan’s serious games, art games, “notgames,” and “game poems” have been featured by Wired, PC Gamer, Le Monde, and others, shown at festivals and exhibitions around the world, and nominated for a variety of awards including the New Media Writing Prize and the IndieCade Grand Jury Award. Jordan is currently Senior Lecturer in Games and Media Art at the University of Southampton, and 2024-25 Fulbright Fellow in Digital Culture at the University of Bergen.
