Speedrunning is a unique and thrilling aspect of gaming culture where players challenge themselves to complete video games as quickly as possible. With a blend of skill, strategy, and creativity, speedrunning has become a global phenomenon, captivating gamers and viewers alike.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of speedrunning, its history, popular categories, tools, and techniques, as well as its impact on the gaming community.
What Is Speedrunning?
Speedrunning involves playing a video game with the goal of completing it in the shortest possible time. Unlike casual play, speedrunning focuses on precision and efficiency, often employing advanced strategies, glitches, and in-depth game knowledge.
Speedrunners compete for world records, share their runs online, and participate in live events like Games Done Quick (GDQ), where they showcase their skills and raise money for charity.
The History of Speedrunning
The origins of speedrunning trace back to the early days of gaming:
- 1980s and 1990s:
Players began challenging themselves to beat arcade and console games quickly, but documentation was limited to personal records and magazine submissions. - 1990s Online Forums:
The advent of the internet allowed players to share their times and strategies. DOOM (1993) became a pivotal game for speedrunning, as players uploaded “demos” (recorded gameplay files) to showcase their fastest runs. - 2000s Expansion:
Video-sharing platforms like YouTube and Twitch revolutionized speedrunning by making runs accessible to a global audience. Communities formed around specific games, and players began competing for world records in earnest. - Modern Era:
Speedrunning is now a mainstream phenomenon, with dedicated websites like Speedrun.com hosting leaderboards for thousands of games. Live events like GDQ bring speedrunning into the spotlight, raising millions for charity annually.
Types of Speedrunning Categories
Speedrunning isn’t one-size-fits-all. Players often choose specific categories based on their goals and the game’s mechanics. Popular categories include:
1. Any%
- The most common category, where the goal is to finish the game as quickly as possible by any means necessary.
- Glitches and skips are often used to bypass large portions of the game.
2. 100%
- Requires completing the game with all objectives, collectibles, and secrets.
- Typically longer and more challenging than Any% runs.
3. Glitchless
- Players must complete the game without using glitches or exploits.
- Focuses on raw skill and mastery of the intended gameplay mechanics.
4. Low%
- Involves completing the game with minimal items, upgrades, or resources.
- Adds an extra layer of difficulty.
5. Tool-Assisted Speedrun (TAS)
- Uses software tools to create a “perfect” run.
- TAS runs explore theoretical limits of the game and often serve as inspiration for real-time runners.
6. Meme Runs
- Fun or absurd challenges, like completing a game blindfolded or using unconventional controllers.
- Examples: Beating Dark Souls with a dance pad or Super Mario 64 with only one hand.
Techniques and Strategies in Speedrunning
Speedrunning requires more than just fast reflexes. Players use a variety of techniques to shave seconds off their runs:
1. Glitch Exploitation
- Clipping: Moving through walls or objects not intended by the developers.
- Wrong Warping: Using glitches to teleport to unintended areas.
- Sequence Breaking: Skipping major portions of the game by completing objectives out of order.
2. Optimized Movement
- Mastering movement mechanics, such as bunny hopping or frame-perfect jumps, to maximize speed.
3. RNG Manipulation
- Controlling random number generation (RNG) to ensure favorable outcomes, like item drops or enemy behavior.
4. Route Planning
- Determining the most efficient path through the game, including which items to collect and which areas to skip.
5. Practice and Precision
- Speedrunners spend hours practicing specific sections of a game to perfect their execution.
Tools for Speedrunning
Speedrunning often involves the use of specialized tools and resources:
- Timers: Software like LiveSplit helps runners track their progress with split times for each segment of the game.
- Emulators: Allow runners to practice on older games without needing original hardware.
- Frame Data Analysis: Tools that provide detailed insights into a game’s mechanics and timing.
- com: A central hub for leaderboards, guides, and community discussions.
The Community Aspect
One of the most remarkable aspects of speedrunning is its community. Runners collaborate to discover new strategies, share knowledge, and improve their times. The community also celebrates creativity, with runners finding innovative ways to break games or approach challenges.
Events and Charity
- Games Done Quick (GDQ): Biannual events where speedrunners perform live for charity. GDQ has raised over $40 million for organizations like Doctors Without Borders and the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
- Marathons: Smaller-scale events hosted by local or online communities, often raising funds for various causes.
Streaming and Content Creation
Many speedrunners share their runs on platforms like Twitch, building fanbases and inspiring others to join the scene.
The Impact of Speedrunning
1. Rediscovery of Games
Speedrunning breathes new life into older games, keeping them relevant and interesting for decades.
2. Developer Acknowledgment
Many developers now embrace speedrunning, including hidden features or Easter eggs designed specifically for speedrunners.
3. Innovation and Skill
Speedrunning showcases the incredible skill, patience, and creativity of gamers, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in games.
Challenges in Speedrunning
- Barriers to Entry: Some speedruns require extensive knowledge or practice, which can be daunting for newcomers.
- Hardware Disparities: Variations in hardware or emulation accuracy can lead to debates about fairness.
- Game Updates: Patches or updates can eliminate glitches used in speedruns, forcing runners to adapt.
The Future of Speedrunning
As gaming continues to evolve, so will speedrunning. Key trends include:
- AI-Assisted Runs: Tools to analyze and optimize strategies more effectively.
- New Games and Genres: The rise of procedurally generated games offers new challenges for runners.
- Cross-Platform Runs: Greater accessibility may bring speedrunning to a broader audience.