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Games Done Quick

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"GDQ" redirects here. For the airport, see Gondar Airport. For the language, see Mehri language.

Games Done Quick
StatusActive
GenreVideo game speedruns
Video games and charity
VenueVarious
Location(s)Various
CountryUnited States
InauguratedJanuary 1, 2010; 15 years ago (2010-01-01)
FounderMike Uyama[1]
Most recentJanuary 5, 2020; 5 years ago (2020-01-05)
Next eventJune 21, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-06-21)
Organized byGames Done Quick, LLC
Websitegamesdonequick.com

Games Done Quick is a semiannual video game speedrun charity marathon held in the United States, originally organized by the Speed Demos Archive and Speedruns Live communities. Since 2015, it has been handled by Games Done Quick, LLC.[2] Held since 2010, the events have raised money for several charities; the most common two being the Prevent Cancer Foundation and Doctors Without Borders.

The events are broadcast live on Twitch. Viewers are encouraged to donate for incentives during the stream such as selecting the file name or main character's name in a run, having the runners attempt more difficult challenges, and entering raffles for the chance of winning prizes.[3] Over $25.6 million has been raised across 25 marathons.[4]

Format[]

Speedrunners take turns demonstrating their prowess at beating various video games in the quickest possible time, done in front of an audience as well as a livestream through Twitch.[5][6][7] Sometimes these runs may be executed in an unusual or specific way, such as fully completing every level, completing a game blindfolded,[8] or featuring multiple runners racing against one another to complete a game first.[9] Video games run in Games Done Quick events include both retro and modern titles. The runs typically feature commentary from the runner(s) or experienced commentators, as well as donation messages read by an announcer.

Most of the popular runs feature video game glitches[10] and discussion between the runner and the commentators, most frequently describing techniques or using observational humor and banter.[11] Humor and banter is especially used for non-interactive or repetitive sequences that don't require the runner to use much or any skill. Donations from viewers may feature humorous comments that contain inside jokes among the speedrunning community, as well as more personal acknowledgements concerning the charity donated to. Because of the live broadcast and wider audience, runners and commentators are encouraged to refrain from using strong profanity and offensive behavior.[12]

History[]

Games Done Quick logo

Games Done Quick's former logo, used until 2018

Writer and speedrunner Eric Koziel identifies two important precursors to Games Done Quick: the "Desert Bus for Hope" donation drive organized by LoadingReadyRun in November 2007, and a series of charity speedrun marathons held by The Speed Gamers starting in March 2008.[13]

Users of the site Speed Demos Archive decided to hold a charity marathon in January 2010,[14] during MAGFest 8. It was themed around 8-bit and 16-bit video games and thus dubbed "Classic Games Done Quick" (after the 1990s speedrunning project Quake Done Quick). Internet connectivity problems at the MAGFest hotel forced SDA administrator Mike Uyama to relocate the event to his mother's basement, but it raised over $10,000 for CARE.[13][15]

Following that initial success, the first Awesome Games Done Quick marathon was held in January 2011, expanding from two days to five days, incorporating newer games such as Halo and Portal, and raising more than $50,000 for the Prevent Cancer Foundation.[16] The first Summer Games Done Quick was held in August 2011, raising $20,000 for the Organisation for Autism Research.[17][18] Since then, both Awesome Games Done Quick and Summer Games Done Quick have recurred annually, raising larger amounts each year.

A one-off additional marathon was held in March 2011 to support victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan; Japan Relief Done Quick raised over $25,000. In addition, a one-off promotional event was held on March 20, 2015 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the God of War franchise. Over the course of five hours, God of War Done Quick ended up raising $3,500 for The AbleGamers Foundation.

In 2020, Games Done Quick excluded the speedrunner Luzbelheim during the event, after media reported on tweets by him that supported antifeminism and the Spanish far-right party Vox. Both the posts at issue and Luzbelheim's exclusion caused controversy on social media.[19][20]

List of marathons[]

Awesome Games Done Quick[]

Dates Venue Charity Amount raised Notes
January 1–3, 2010 (planned) Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, Alexandria, Virginia (during MAGFest 8; one speedrun was completed before venue was changed)
(actual) private residence		 CARE $10,532[21]
January 6–11, 2011 National 4-H Youth Conference Center, Chevy Chase, Maryland Prevent Cancer Foundation $52,520[22]
January 4–9, 2012 $149,045[23]
January 6–12, 2013 $448,425[24]
January 5–11, 2014 Crowne Plaza Dulles, Herndon, Virginia $1,031,667[25] First GDQ event to raise over $1 million.
January 4–10, 2015 Hilton Washington Dulles, Herndon, Virginia $1,576,085[26]
January 3–10, 2016 $1,216,309[27]
January 8–15, 2017[28] $2,222,791[29] First GDQ event to raise over $2 million; as well as the first GDQ event to raise over $1 million in a single day.
January 7–14, 2018[30] $2,295,191[31]
January 6–13, 2019[32] Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Rockville, Maryland $2,425,790[33]
January 5–12, 2020[34] DoubleTree Hilton, Orlando, Florida $3,162,854[35] Current donation record set at a GDQ event.[36]

Summer Games Done Quick[]

Dates Venue Charity Amount raised Notes
August 4–6, 2011 A participant's residence in West Bountiful, Utah Organisation for Autism Research[37] $21,397[38]
May 24–28, 2012 $46,279[39]
July 25–30, 2013 Sheraton Denver Tech Center, Greenwood Village, Colorado Doctors Without Borders $257,181[40]
June 22–28, 2014 Crowne Plaza Denver International Airport, Denver, Colorado $718,235[41] $82,985 of the funds were raised through the SGDQ 2014 Bundle.[42]
July 26–August 2, 2015 Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront, Saint Paul, Minnesota $1,215,601[43]
July 3–9, 2016[44] Hilton Minneapolis Downtown, Minneapolis, Minnesota $1,294,139[45] First SGDQ to raise more than the AGDQ of the same year.
July 2–9, 2017[46] Minneapolis Marriott City Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota $1,792,342[47]
June 24–July 1, 2018[48] DoubleTree Hilton, Bloomington, Minnesota $2,168,913[49]
June 23–30, 2019[50] $3,039,596[51] First GDQ event to raise over $3 million, and fastest to reach $1 million.[52] First time an all-time donation record was set at SGDQ.[53]
June 21–28, 2020[54] Bloomington, Minnesota

Special Marathons[]

Marathon Dates Venue Charity Amount raised Notes
Japan Relief Done Quick April 7–10, 2011 Runners streamed from their residences Doctors Without Borders $25,800[55] A marathon to support victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
Speedrun Spooktacular October 26–29, 2012 Runners streamed from their residences Lindsey King $9,733[56] A marathon to help medical bills for Lindsey King, an artist for Speed Demos Archive.
God of War Done Quick March 20, 2015[57] Sony Santa Monica Studio AbleGamers Foundation $3,500+[58] Special event at Sony Santa Monica Studio as part of the 10 year anniversary of the God of War franchise.
Harvey Relief Done Quick September 1–3, 2017 Runners streamed from their residences Houston Food Bank $229,455[59] A marathon to support victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas.
Games Done Quick Express (GDQx) October 26–28, 2018[60] San Jose Convention Center 10 charities[n 1] $139,878[62] A marathon held during TwitchCon.
September 27–29, 2019[63] San Diego Convention Center AbleGamers Foundation $152,595[64]

Notes[]

References[]

  1. ↑ Shanley, Patrick (4 January 2019). "How an Event Dedicated to Playing Video Games as Fast as Possible Raises Millions For Charity". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 13 January 2019. {{cite web}}:
  2. ↑ "Privacy Policy". Games Done Quick, LLC. 6 August 2015. {{cite web}}:
  3. ↑ Smith, Ernie (January 13, 2015). "How Gaming Gurus Reinvented Telethons for the Web". Association Now. {{cite web}}:
  4. ↑ "All Events – Donation total: $22,539,490.29". Games Done Quick, LLC. 30 June 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2020. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ↑ Gach, Ethan. "Watch The Final Days Of The Weeklong Awesome Games Done Quick Charity Marathon" (in en-US). Kotaku. https://kotaku.com/watch-the-first-day-of-the-weeklong-awesome-games-done-1790948260. 
  6. ↑ "Awesome Games Done Quick is indeed awesome, will ruin productivity all week". Ars Technica. https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/01/prepare-your-switch-tab-shortcut-at-work-awesome-games-done-quick-is-back/. 
  7. ↑ O'Connor, Alice (January 9, 2017). "Awesome Games Done Quick speedruns another week". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved January 14, 2017. {{cite web}}:
  8. ↑ Biery, Thomas (July 5, 2016). "Watch a speedrunner complete Castlevania: Symphony of the Night blindfolded". Polygon. Retrieved January 14, 2017. {{cite web}}:
  9. ↑ Otero, Jose (January 12, 2016). "11 Amazing Speedruns from Awesome Games Done Quick 2016". IGN. Retrieved January 14, 2017. {{cite web}}:
  10. ↑ Biery, Thomas (July 9, 2016). "Summer Games Done Quick 2016 roundup: The biggest surprises of the week". Polygon. Retrieved January 14, 2017. {{cite web}}:
  11. ↑ "What to watch during the Summer Games Done Quick speedrun marathon". Ars Technica. https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/07/what-to-watch-during-the-summer-games-done-quick-speedrun-marathon/. 
  12. ↑ "Games Done Quick". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved January 14, 2017. {{cite web}}:
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Koziel, Eric (January 5, 2018). "Speedrun Science: A Long Guide to Short Playthroughs" (PDF). Fangamer. {{cite web}}:
  14. ↑ "Speeding Through Classic Games to Beat Cancer". Wired.com. Retrieved January 9, 2016. {{cite web}}:
  15. ↑ "Summer Games Done Quick Starts This Weekend: Watch and Be Wowed". Vice.com. Retrieved January 9, 2016. {{cite web}}:
  16. ↑ "Awesome Games Done Quick Has Already Raised $250K for Prevent Cancer Foundation". Kevinbondelli.com. Archived from the original on March 24, 2016. Retrieved January 9, 2016. {{cite web}}:
  17. ↑ "September_2011". Researchautism.org. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 9, 2016. {{cite web}}:
  18. ↑ "NetGuide NZ - Gamers speed-run for charity". Https. Retrieved January 9, 2016. {{cite web}}:
  19. ↑ "Games Done Quick let proud anti-feminist speedrunner stream to over 100,000 viewers" (in en). The Daily Dot. 8 January 2020. https://www.dailydot.com/parsec/gdq-anti-feminist-speedrunner/. Retrieved 14 January 2020. 
  20. ↑ Malmgren, Evan. "GDQ Suspends Speedrunner With 'Feminazism' In Twitter Profile, Raising Lots Of Questions" (in en-us). Kotaku. https://kotaku.com/gdq-suspends-speedrunner-with-feminazism-in-twitter-pro-1840979327. Retrieved 14 January 2020. 
  21. ↑ "Classic Games Done Quick – Donation total: $10,531.64". Games Done Quick. Retrieved 30 October 2018. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  22. ↑ "Awesome Games Done Quick 2011 – Donation total: $52,519.83". Games Done Quick. Retrieved 30 October 2018. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  23. ↑ "Awesome Games Done Quick 2012 – Donation total: $149,044.99". Games Done Quick. Retrieved 30 October 2018. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  24. ↑ "Awesome Games Done Quick 2013 – Donation total: $448,425.27". Games Done Quick. Retrieved 30 October 2018. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  25. ↑ "Awesome Games Done Quick 2014 – Donation total: $1,031,665.50". Games Done Quick. Retrieved 30 October 2018. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  26. ↑ "Awesome Games Done Quick 2015 – Donation total: $1,576,085.00". Games Done Quick. Retrieved 30 October 2018. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  27. ↑ "Awesome Games Done Quick 2016 – Donation total: $1,216,309". Games Done Quick. Retrieved 30 October 2018. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  28. ↑ Games Done Quick [@GamesDoneQuick] (July 10, 2016). "As previously announced, #AGDQ2017 will be January 8th to the 15th. Mark your calendars!" (Tweet). Retrieved July 10, 2016 – via Twitter. {{cite web}}:
  29. ↑ "Awesome Games Done Quick 2017 – Donation total: $2,222,790.52". Games Done Quick. Retrieved 30 October 2018. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  30. ↑ Games Done Quick [@GamesDoneQuick] (July 10, 2017). "The day after #SGDQ2017 is over is a sad day. Don't be too sad though, because #AGDQ2018 will be January 7th - 14th at Herndon, Virginia!" (Tweet). Retrieved July 10, 2017 – via Twitter. {{cite web}}:
  31. ↑ "Awesome Games Done Quick 2018 – Donation total: $2,295,190.66". Games Done Quick. Retrieved 30 October 2018. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  32. ↑ Games Done Quick [@GamesDoneQuick] (July 3, 2018). "We hope you had a fantastic time at #SGDQ2018 and we can't wait for our next 2 events! #GDQx will be at @TwitchCon in San Jose, CA from October 26 - 28, and #AGDQ2019 will be in Rockville, MD from January 6 - 13!" (Tweet). Retrieved July 3, 2018 – via Twitter. {{cite web}}:
  33. ↑ "Awesome Games Done Quick 2019 -- Index". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved 2019-01-20. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  34. ↑ Games Done Quick [@GamesDoneQuick] (June 29, 2019). "That's a wrap for #SGDQ2019! Thank you so much for supporting this amazing, RECORD-SETTING week, and we'll see you at: #GDQx2019 in San Diego, CA from September 27-29 AND #AGDQ2020 in Orlando, FL from January 5 - 12!" (Tweet). Retrieved June 29, 2019 – via Twitter. {{cite web}}:
  35. ↑ "Awesome Games Done Quick 2020 -- Index". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved 2020-01-15. {{cite web}}:
  36. ↑ Minotti, Mike (11 January 2020). "Awesome Games Done Quick 2020 raises over $3.1 million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation". VentureBeat. Retrieved 12 January 2020. {{cite web}}:
  37. ↑ "The OARacle". researchautism.org. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved July 10, 2016. {{cite web}}:
  38. ↑ "Summer Games Done Quick 2011 Donation Tracker". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved January 7, 2016. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  39. ↑ "Summer Games Done Quick 2012 Donation Tracker". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved January 7, 2016. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  40. ↑ "Summer Games Done Quick 2013 Donation Tracker". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved January 7, 2016. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  41. ↑ "Summer Games Done Quick 2014 Donation Tracker". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved January 7, 2016. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  42. ↑ "Summer Games Done Quick 2014 Bundle". Archived from the original on June 30, 2014. Retrieved June 30, 2014. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  43. ↑ "Summer Games Done Quick 2015 Donation Tracker". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved January 7, 2016. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  44. ↑ Games Done Quick [@GamesDoneQuick] (January 10, 2016). "On the #AGDQ2016 finale, we announced our dates and location for #SGDQ2016! July 3-9th, in downtown Minneapolis, MN!" (Tweet). Retrieved January 10, 2016 – via Twitter. {{cite web}}:
  45. ↑ "Summer Games Done Quick 2016 Donation Tracker". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved July 12, 2016. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  46. ↑ Games Done Quick [@GamesDoneQuick] (January 16, 2017). "AGDQ 2017 was amazing, and we already can't wait for #SGDQ2017! It will be from July 2nd to the 9th at Minneapolis, Minnesota!" (Tweet). Retrieved January 16, 2017 – via Twitter. {{cite web}}:
  47. ↑ "Summer Games Done Quick 2017 Donation Tracker". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved July 9, 2017. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  48. ↑ Games Done Quick [@GamesDoneQuick] (January 14, 2018). "What an awesome video from @TheBesteban, and the SGDQ 2018 dates are June 24 - July 1!! We hope to see you there! #AGDQ2018" (Tweet). Retrieved January 14, 2018 – via Twitter. {{cite web}}:
  49. ↑ "Summer Games Done Quick 2018". Games Done Quick. Retrieved 14 January 2019. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  50. ↑ Games Done Quick [@GamesDoneQuick] (January 13, 2019). "That's a wrap for #AGDQ2019 thank you everyone for supporting the event! We'll see you in Bloomington, MN for #SGDQ2019 from June 23 - 30!" (Tweet). Retrieved January 13, 2019 – via Twitter. {{cite web}}:
  51. ↑ "Summer Games Done Quick 2019". Games Done Quick. Retrieved June 30, 2019. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  52. ↑ Rollins, Steven (30 June 2019). "Summer Games Done Quick 2019 raised $3 million for charity". Nintendo Enthusiast. Retrieved 30 June 2019. {{cite web}}:
  53. ↑ Abent, Eric (1 July 2019). "Summer Games Done Quick 2019 sets huge donations record". Slash Gear. Retrieved 1 July 2019. {{cite web}}:
  54. ↑ Games Done Quick [@GamesDoneQuick] (January 12, 2020). "Thank you so much for making #AGDQ2020 another record event! This may be the end of AGDQ, but #SGDQ2020 will be here before you know it! We'll see you in Bloomington, MN on June 21-28!" (Tweet). Retrieved January 12, 2020 – via Twitter. {{cite web}}:
  55. ↑ "Japan Relief Done Quick – Donation total: $25,800.33". Games Done Quick. Retrieved 14 January 2019. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  56. ↑ "Speedrun Spooktacular – Donation total: $9,732.99". Games Done Quick. Retrieved 14 January 2019. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  57. ↑ Kaufman, Aaron; Community Strategist; Santa Monica Studio (16 March 2015). "Watch God of War Done Quick, Live March 20th". Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. Retrieved 17 March 2015. {{cite web}}:
  58. ↑ Games Done Quick [@GamesDoneQuick] (20 March 2015). "Thanks to everyone who helped raise over $3500 for @AbleGamers and create an incredibly fun stream at @SonySantaMonica today! It was amazing" (Tweet). Retrieved 20 March 2015 – via Twitter. {{cite web}}:
  59. ↑ "Harvey Relief Done Quick – Donation total: $229,454.94". Games Done Quick. Retrieved 14 January 2019. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  60. ↑ Games Done Quick [@GamesDoneQuick] (5 June 2018). "GDQs are fun right? Let's have more fun then with a bonus GDQ this year! @TwitchCon and GDQ are coming together with GDQ Express, a non-stop 3-day charity speedrunning event in San Jose, CA from October 26–28! Runners: game submissions open 7/8! http://gamesdonequick.com/express #GDQx" (Tweet). Retrieved 5 June 2018 – via Twitter. {{cite web}}:
  61. ↑ 3 ways to have fun for charity at TwitchCon
  62. ↑ "Games Done Quick Express 2018 -- Index". Games Done Quick. Retrieved 30 October 2018. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  63. ↑ Quick, Games Done [@GamesDoneQuick] (17 June 2019). "We're excited to announce the return of GDQ Express at @TwitchCon in San Diego, California from September 27–29! Join us for a weekend full of non-stop speedrun goodness benefiting @AbleGamers! Runners: Submissions open July 7th. http://gamesdonequick.com/express #GDQx2019" (Tweet). Retrieved 17 June 2019 – via Twitter. {{cite web}}: ; no-break space character
  64. ↑ "Games Done Quick Express 2019 -- Index". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved 2019-10-26. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

External links[]

Template:Speedrunning
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