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Michael Cleary

writer, comedian, game designer

Michael graduated with honors from NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where he doubled majored in playwriting and game design. Through his schooling, he developed a keen understanding of what makes entertainment compelling and has since dedicated himself to implementing these principles to education. With his game design knowledge, Michael has designed online programs that teach fundamental reading skills and test taking strategies. When he’s not tutoring, Michael pursues comedy writing that seeks to illustrate philosophy and current events to audiences.

…a text I love to teach

Camus’ The Myth of Sisyphus. – In spite of the brevity of the ending, it’s so densely packed with poetic imagery and profound ideas that there’s always more for me to discover with each re-read.

…a favorite place I’ve visited

A friend’s house. Most of my life’s meaning comes through my relationships with loved ones beyond any place or event.

…eight people living or dead I’d invite to my ideal dinner party

George Carlin, Bill Hicks, Norm MacDonald, Bo Burnham, Doug Stanhope, Mike Birbiglia, Richard Pyror, Don Rickels

…something I can’t stop thinking about

Video games as a medium boast incredible artistic and utilitarian potential, but the public perception of the medium is marred by the industry’s sole focus on producing fun and/or addictive experiences. Although video games are steadily being adopted by industries outside of entertainment, such as education and even medicine (in 2020, the FDA approved a game called EndeavorRx for ADHD treatment), we have still barely scratched the surface of the pragmatic application of games as a tool to improve our lives.