Make sure that when your calling p:update(dt) in main.lua you include (dt) as an argument
Or else its something else
it can only be done in p:update btw
Edit: include timer() inside of p:update amd you can use dt there

It needs to be:
count = count + 1
(Unless someone else answered already)

Is this outdated? From 2009?

This gave me an idea for a game about running a fictional country

Cool! Its really cool to me that all these people are making these games that i've never heard of. Im a beginner btw