Speedrunning organization Games Done Quick has announced a change in ownership for the company, with Director of Operations Matt Merkle taking majority ownership moving forward. Founder Mike Uyama signed over ownership to Merkle and his team after a previous announcement made last year that he was stepping away from GDQ. No major changes have been made to the Games Done Quick events or rules as a result of this change in ownership.
Merkle will still serve as Games Done Quick’s Director of Operations moving forward, with the group’s next major event, Awesome Games Done Quick, taking place in January 2025. Merkle released a short statement upon obtaining ownership:
“I want to thank Mike Uyama, not just for starting this wonderful company, but also for making the sacrifice of giving away his company to us,” Merkle says. “I will continue to work as hard as I can to follow in his footsteps and ensure the success of GDQ for years to come.”
Uyama has also released a statement, ensuring staff and fans that the organization is in good hands, saying “I’m confident that the rest of the staff will guide GDQ toward a successful future. My time is done, and now it’s time for others to take the helm.”
In addition to Merkle, a few other members of the GDQ leadership team have obtained part ownersip as well. Director of Technology Jason Deng, as well as Business Director Ashley Farkas, have both obtained part ownership of Games Done Quick.
Games Done Quick is most well known for their live events, hosting speedrunners from around the world to raise money for charity via donations to the livestream of the events. The organization has raised over $51.7 million to date, for charities supported by Games Done Quick including Doctors Without Borders and Prevent Cancer Foundation. Submissions for speedruns for AGDQ 2025 can be sent in on their website.