Games Done Quick

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.

"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 (2010-01-01)
FounderMike Uyama[1]
Most recentFebruary 29, 2020 (2020-02-29)
Next eventAugust 16, 2020 (2020-08-16)
Organized byGames Done Quick, LLC
Websitegamesdonequick.com

The two flagship events held by Games Done Quick are Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ), held in early January every year, which raises money for the Prevent Cancer Foundation, and Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ), usually held in late June or early July every year, which raises money for Doctors Without Borders. Both events last for 7 days. In addition to these events, GDQ hosts several other broadcasts throughout the year including smaller marathons supporting different charities, one-off events for special occasions, and regular GDQ Hotfix programming throughout the year.

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 $25.7 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]

When donating, donors have the option to put their money towards a particular incentive. These incentives can be in the form of bonus speedruns, showcases of additional tricks or glitches or an in-game decision such as naming the player character.

History
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 residence, 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 expelled a speedrunner for violating social media policies after the runner made remarks on Twitter that supported antifeminism and the far-right Spanish party Vox.[19][20]

During the start of Frost Fatales 2020, they announced their new GDQ Studio to produce in-person live events outside of the normal marathons.[21]

List of marathons

Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ)

Originally called Classic Games Done Quick (CGDQ), this annual marathon is held every year in early January raising money for the Prevent Cancer Foundation.

DatesVenueCharityAmount raisedNotes
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[22]
January 6–11, 2011National 4-H Youth Conference Center, Chevy Chase, MarylandPrevent Cancer Foundation$52,520[23]First event to be called Awesome Games Done Quick
January 4–9, 2012$149,045[24]
January 6–12, 2013$448,425[25]
January 5–11, 2014Crowne Plaza Dulles, Herndon, Virginia$1,031,667[26]First GDQ event to raise over $1 million.
January 4–10, 2015Hilton Washington Dulles, Herndon, Virginia$1,576,085[27]
January 3–10, 2016$1,216,309[28]
January 8–15, 2017[29]$2,222,791[30]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[31]$2,295,191[32]
January 6–13, 2019[33]Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Rockville, Maryland$2,425,790[34]
January 5–12, 2020[35]DoubleTree Hilton, Orlando, Florida$3,164,002[36]Current donation record set at a GDQ event.[37] Moved to Orlando, Florida to celebrate their 10th anniversary.

Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ)

Introduced in 2011 as a companion to AGDQ, this marathon is usually held in late June or early July and raises money for Doctors Without Borders.

DatesVenueCharityAmount raisedNotes
August 4–6, 2011A participant's residence in West Bountiful, UtahOrganisation for Autism Research[38]$21,397[39]
May 24–28, 2012$46,279[40]
July 25–30, 2013Sheraton Denver Tech Center, Greenwood Village, ColoradoDoctors Without Borders$257,181[41]
June 22–28, 2014Crowne Plaza Denver International Airport, Denver, Colorado$718,235[42]$82,985 of the funds were raised through the SGDQ 2014 Bundle.[43]
July 26–August 2, 2015Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront, Saint Paul, Minnesota$1,215,601[44]
July 3–9, 2016[45]Hilton Minneapolis Downtown, Minneapolis, Minnesota$1,294,139[46]First SGDQ to raise more than the AGDQ of the same year.
July 2–9, 2017[47]Minneapolis Marriott City Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota$1,792,342[48]
June 24–July 1, 2018[49]DoubleTree Hilton, Bloomington, Minnesota$2,168,913[50]
June 23–30, 2019[51]$3,039,596[52]First GDQ event to raise over $3 million, and fastest to reach $1 million.[53] First time an all-time donation record was set at SGDQ.[54]
August 16–23, 2020OnlineDelayed from the original date due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and later planned for an online event due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns.[55]

Games Done Quick Express (GDQx)

Games Done Quick Express is an annual 4-day marathon held at TwitchCon since 2018.

Dates Venue Charity Amount raised Notes
October 26–28, 2018[56] San Jose Convention Center 10 charities[lower-alpha 1] $139,878[58]
September 27–29, 2019[59] San Diego Convention Center AbleGamers Foundation $152,595[60]

Special Marathons
MarathonDatesVenueCharityAmount raisedNotes
Japan Relief Done QuickApril 7–10, 2011Runners streamed from their residencesDoctors Without Borders$25,800[61]A marathon to support victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
Speedrun SpooktacularOctober 26–29, 2012Runners streamed from their residencesLindsey King$9,733[62]A marathon to help medical bills for Lindsey King, an artist for Speed Demos Archive.
God of War Done QuickMarch 20, 2015[63]Sony Santa Monica StudioAbleGamers Foundation$3,500+[64]Special event at Sony Santa Monica Studio as part of the 10 year anniversary of the God of War franchise.
Harvey Relief Done QuickSeptember 1–3, 2017[65]Runners streamed from their residencesHouston Food Bank$229,455[66]A marathon to support victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas.
Classic Games Done Quick (CGDQ) 10th Anniversary December 27–29, 2019[67] Runners streamed from their residences N/A N/A Exact recreation of the schedule of the 1st event in January 2010 to celebrate 10 years of GDQ.
Corona Relief Done Quick April 17–19, 2020 Runners streamed from their residences Direct Relief $402,568[68] A marathon to help improve the health and lives of people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic [69][70]

Notes
  1. Charities at Games Done Quick Express 2018 included: AbleGamers, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Call of Duty Endowment, Direct Relief, Doctors Without Borders, Extra Life, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Save the Children, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and To Write Love on Her Arms.[57]

References
  1. Shanley, Patrick (January 4, 2019). "How an Event Dedicated to Playing Video Games as Fast as Possible Raises Millions For Charity". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
  2. "Privacy Policy". Games Done Quick, LLC. August 6, 2015.
  3. Smith, Ernie (January 13, 2015). "How Gaming Gurus Reinvented Telethons for the Web". Association Now.
  4. "All Events – Donation total: $25,742,182.26". Games Done Quick, LLC. June 30, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
  5. Gach, Ethan. "Watch The Final Days Of The Weeklong Awesome Games Done Quick Charity Marathon". Kotaku. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  6. "Awesome Games Done Quick is indeed awesome, will ruin productivity all week". Ars Technica. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  7. O'Connor, Alice (January 9, 2017). "Awesome Games Done Quick speedruns another week". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  8. Biery, Thomas (July 5, 2016). "Watch a speedrunner complete Castlevania: Symphony of the Night blindfolded". Polygon. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  9. Otero, Jose (January 12, 2016). "11 Amazing Speedruns from Awesome Games Done Quick 2016". IGN. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  10. Biery, Thomas (July 9, 2016). "Summer Games Done Quick 2016 roundup: The biggest surprises of the week". Polygon. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  11. "What to watch during the Summer Games Done Quick speedrun marathon". Ars Technica. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  12. "Games Done Quick". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  13. Koziel, Eric (January 5, 2018). "Speedrun Science: A Long Guide to Short Playthroughs" (PDF). Fangamer.
  14. "Speeding Through Classic Games to Beat Cancer". Wired.com. Retrieved January 9, 2016.
  15. "Summer Games Done Quick Starts This Weekend: Watch and Be Wowed". Vice.com. Retrieved January 9, 2016.
  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.
  17. "September_2011". Researchautism.org. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 9, 2016.
  18. "NetGuide NZ - Gamers speed-run for charity". Https. Retrieved January 9, 2016.
  19. "Games Done Quick let proud anti-feminist speedrunner stream to over 100,000 viewers". The Daily Dot. January 8, 2020. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  20. Malmgren, Evan. "GDQ Suspends Speedrunner With 'Feminazism' In Twitter Profile, Raising Lots Of Questions". Kotaku. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  21. Camp, Alex Van (February 23, 2020). "We built a dang studio. A huge team has poured an enormous amount into making this show possible, and the crew on-site is doing a wonderful job. Check it out if you have a minute https://twitter.com/GamesDoneQuick/status/1231630987001548805 …". Twitter. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  22. "Classic Games Done Quick – Donation total: $10,531.64". Games Done Quick. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  23. "Awesome Games Done Quick 2011 – Donation total: $52,519.83". Games Done Quick. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  24. "Awesome Games Done Quick 2012 – Donation total: $149,044.99". Games Done Quick. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  25. "Awesome Games Done Quick 2013 – Donation total: $448,425.27". Games Done Quick. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  26. "Awesome Games Done Quick 2014 – Donation total: $1,031,665.50". Games Done Quick. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  27. "Awesome Games Done Quick 2015 – Donation total: $1,576,085.00". Games Done Quick. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  28. "Awesome Games Done Quick 2016 – Donation total: $1,216,309". Games Done Quick. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  29. 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.
  30. "Awesome Games Done Quick 2017 – Donation total: $2,222,790.52". Games Done Quick. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  31. 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.
  32. "Awesome Games Done Quick 2018 – Donation total: $2,295,190.66". Games Done Quick. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  33. 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.
  34. "Awesome Games Done Quick 2019 -- Index". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved January 20, 2019.
  35. 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.
  36. "Awesome Games Done Quick 2020 -- Index". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  37. Minotti, Mike (January 11, 2020). "Awesome Games Done Quick 2020 raises over $3.1 million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation". VentureBeat. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
  38. "The OARacle". researchautism.org. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved July 10, 2016.
  39. "Summer Games Done Quick 2011 Donation Tracker". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
  40. "Summer Games Done Quick 2012 Donation Tracker". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
  41. "Summer Games Done Quick 2013 Donation Tracker". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
  42. "Summer Games Done Quick 2014 Donation Tracker". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
  43. "Summer Games Done Quick 2014 Bundle". Archived from the original on June 30, 2014. Retrieved June 30, 2014.CS1 maint: unfit url (link)
  44. "Summer Games Done Quick 2015 Donation Tracker". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
  45. 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.
  46. "Summer Games Done Quick 2016 Donation Tracker". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
  47. 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.
  48. "Summer Games Done Quick 2017 Donation Tracker". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  49. 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.
  50. "Summer Games Done Quick 2018". Games Done Quick. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
  51. 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.
  52. "Summer Games Done Quick 2019". Games Done Quick. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
  53. Rollins, Steven (June 30, 2019). "Summer Games Done Quick 2019 raised $3 million for charity". Nintendo Enthusiast. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
  54. Abent, Eric (July 1, 2019). "Summer Games Done Quick 2019 sets huge donations record". Slash Gear. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
  55. Chalk, Andy (June 5, 2020). "Summer Games Done Quick will be online-only this year". PC Gamer. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  56. Games Done Quick [@GamesDoneQuick] (June 5, 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! gamesdonequick.com/express #GDQx" (Tweet). Retrieved June 5, 2018 – via Twitter.
  57. 3 ways to have fun for charity at TwitchCon
  58. "Games Done Quick Express 2018 -- Index". Games Done Quick. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  59. Games Done Quick [@GamesDoneQuick] (June 17, 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. gamesdonequick.com/express #GDQx2019" (Tweet). Retrieved June 17, 2019 – via Twitter.
  60. "Games Done Quick Express 2019 -- Index". gamesdonequick.com. Retrieved October 26, 2019.
  61. "Japan Relief Done Quick – Donation total: $25,800.33". Games Done Quick. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
  62. "Speedrun Spooktacular – Donation total: $9,732.99". Games Done Quick. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
  63. Kaufman, Aaron; Community Strategist; Santa Monica Studio (March 16, 2015). "Watch God of War Done Quick, Live March 20th". Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
  64. Games Done Quick [@GamesDoneQuick] (March 20, 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 March 20, 2015 – via Twitter.
  65. Games Done Quick (August 30, 2017). "Harvey Relief Done Quick is official! Fri. 8PM - Sun. 8PM EDT. Game Submissions will be live (via Google Forms) within the hour. #HRDQ2017". Twitter. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  66. "Harvey Relief Done Quick – Donation total: $229,454.94". Games Done Quick. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
  67. Games Done Quick (November 19, 2019). "GDQ is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2020! We're throwing it back to the first GDQ, Classic Games Done Quick, from 12/27 to 12/29. We'll be reprising the CGDQ schedule with both original runners and many new ones live on http://twitch.tv/gamesdonequick !". Twitter. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  68. "Corona Relief Done Quick – Donation total: $402,568.60". Games Done Quick. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  69. "We'd like to share some updates regarding GDQ and COVID-19". Twitter. March 27, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  70. Carpenter, Nicole (April 20, 2020). "Games Done Quick raises $400K for coronavirus relief fund". Polygon. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
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