Socially-distanced speedrunning
It’s that time of year once again, and nothing’s gonna stop it. The Games Done Quick (GDQ) speedrunning community has hit the green light on its annual summer event Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ), which will see some of the world’s fastest, and trickiest video game players blast through a mammoth list of back-to-back titles while raising money for a good cause.
As long-time GDQ fans know, these events generally operate out of the Double Tree Hilton Hotel in Minnesota, but while the world remains mired in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the team has been unable to get together at their regular stomping ground. Undaunted, this year’s SGDQ is an online affair, and will see players streaming their runs from the own homes, delivering the same action we’ve come to expect from these awesome events, but within a safer, socially-distanced environment.
The SGDQ 2020 schedule promises runs on retro classics such as Super Turrican, Alone in the Dark, The Lion King, Elevator Action Returns, and multiple titles in the Sonic the Hedgehog, Legend of Zelda, and Castlevania series. Modern representation comes in the form of The Last of Us, Hollow Knight, Yakuza Kiwami 2, and Horizon: Zero Dawn. Of course, GDQ mainstays such as Super Monkey Ball, Super Mario Odyssey, and Super Metroid are also in the mix. You can check out all of the action over on the official GDQ Twitch channel.
Over the course of the week, viewers will be able to donate directly to SGDQ 2020, with all proceeds going to relief organisation Medecins Sans Frontieres, an international network of medical professionals who provide aid, care, and medicine across the globe, wherever it is needed, regardless of race, creed, or political persuasion. MSF (also known as “Doctors Without Borders”) is an organisation which relies upon benefactors to pay for its travel, equipment, and supplies. Last year, SGDQ 2019 successfully raised an amazing $3 million USD. Here’s hoping that this year’s event is equally as successful.
Summer Games Done Quick 2020 is now live and will run until Sunday, August 23. You can check out the full schedule, adjusted for your time zone, right here.
Summer Games Done Quick 2020 [Twitch]
