Overview
Speedrunning asks: how fast can this game be completed? What began with Doom recordings evolved into a global community with standardised rules, live events, and charitable marathons. Players discover glitches, optimise routes, and compete for world records measured in frames.
Fast facts
- Origins: Doom demos (1993).
- Major site: Speedrun.com.
- Events: AGDQ, SGDQ.
- Community: Global, collaborative.
Categories
| Category |
Rules |
| Any% |
Complete game by any means |
| 100% |
Full completion |
| Glitchless |
No exploits |
| Low% |
Minimum items/upgrades |
Techniques
| Technique |
Description |
| Sequence breaking |
Access areas early |
| Clipping |
Pass through walls |
| Damage boosting |
Use knockback for speed |
| Frame-perfect tricks |
Single-frame inputs |
| Element |
Function |
| Leaderboards |
Track records |
| Tutorials |
Share knowledge |
| Verification |
Confirm legitimacy |
| Moderation |
Enforce rules |
Games Done Quick
Charity speedrun marathons:
- AGDQ (January)
- SGDQ (Summer)
- Millions raised
- Week-long events
Popular speedgames
| Game |
Appeal |
| Super Mario Bros. |
Accessible, competitive |
| Ocarina of Time |
Deep glitch potential |
| Super Metroid |
Sequence breaking |
| Dark Souls |
Skill demonstration |
| Celeste |
Precision platforming |
| Feature |
Purpose |
| Frame-by-frame input |
Perfect execution |
| Save states |
Optimise segments |
| Theoretical limit |
Show what’s possible |
| Entertainment |
Showcase exploits |
TAS separate from real-time runs.
Retro game speedrunning
Classic games remain popular:
- Well-understood mechanics
- Nostalgia factor
- Accessible to attempt
- Deep optimisation possible
Record progression
| Phase |
Activity |
| Discovery |
Find new techniques |
| Optimisation |
Refine execution |
| Plateaus |
Records stabilise |
| Breakthroughs |
New skips found |
| Value |
Expression |
| Knowledge sharing |
Open strategy discussion |
| Verification |
Honesty requirements |
| Celebration |
Community achievement |
| Accessibility |
Welcome newcomers |
See also