The annual events held for and by the niche audience of speed running, known as Games Done Quick, have been gaining momentum and popularity over the years, but this year has been particularly successful. When the 2015 Summer Games Done Quick ended yesterday, they revealed the staggering total earned by the charity even since it began a week back.
Receiving the aid will be Doctors Without Borders and the Prevent Cancer Foundation. The charities have varied over the years, but Doctors Without Borders has been a recurring one that will surely appreciate the financial boon. Most important to remember is that this donation was made possible by the vast array of extremely talented gamers and enthusiasts and, especially, the generous donors just happy to watch and help.
For those unfamiliar with the events, the Games Done Quick guys rent out an event hall somewhere, speedrunners all over the country register to show off what they’ve been practicing diligently to perfect, and everybody gets together and it’s all streamed over twitch for fans to watch at home. There are a handful of consistent speedrunners that show up consistently to each event, and each event as a whole has really gained traction outside the niche audience since Twitch has become so universal. Anyone looking to view past broadcasts or donate (you still can!), head over to the official Games Done Quick twitch channel and take a peek.
The variety of games played at these events is as wide as the variety of games in existence, almost nothing is off limits. There have even been Animal Crossing speed runs. But you can be sure to see all the classics and favorites among the speed runners; things like the original Legend of Zelda, the original Megaman series, Super Metroid, and countless others.
If this is new to you and caught your attention, don’t be too upset you missed the event. Games Done Quick has their next event early in 2016, so make sure to scope out the details as 2015 draws to a close!