Why I Like Speed Running

    SGDQ has started and I’m getting my fill of speed runs, which makes for a very happy Chops.  

    For those of you unfamiliar with SGDQ (Summer Games Done Quick) it’s an event that takes place over a week and they have speed runners from around the Globe playing games for a full 24 hours a day. All while this is happening, they accept donations from fans and it all goes towards a singular charity. It’s a great way to bring video games to the masses in a good light while raising funds for Doctors Without Borders.

    Now the reason why I love speed runs is the determination and dedication a player takes to a game they enjoy. They are able to manipulate the game they are playing in unique ways, predict actions from characters and levels, memorize patterns and perform this while in front of thousands of people, and in many cases commentating on the game they are playing so people know what’s going on. It’s a great demonstration and execution of skill and passion. I don’t know why anyone who likes videos games wouldn’t support something like this. In fact, I’d say that there is a game out there for everyone to speed run.  

   Now while I enjoy this type of event and really appreciate the display, there are still things that don’t interest me as much in this world. For example, RPG speed runs can be very hit and miss. They can be very technical with RNG (random number generator) manipulation based on movements and item use. They may also require a good amount of grinding so that the characters will be the minimum level required to beat the final boss. And while I’m sure these type of runners dedicated many hours to these games, they don’t make for an interesting watch. When your speed run is pushing 45 minutes, then I think it’s time you move on to the next game of the show.  

   A good way to combat this type of drag, is by having races among a few speed runners to see who can finish first. This has been done on many of my favorite games to watch such as: Mega Man, Super Mario Bros., Contra and many more. This puts even more pressure on the runners to execute because that don’t want to fall behind the friends they are competing against. And it shows you just how supportive the community is because all of the runners and commentators have at some point played or helped develop the routes and tricks used to beat the game. It’s warms my soft heart to see people across the world get together to help each other play a game fast.

    It’s a hope of mine to find a game that I’d enjoy to play as much as all these runners so that I may compete on their level. That may be years from now or tomorrow, but when it happens it’s going to take a lot of time and dedication to do so. I’ll be sure to keep you all updated when that happens but let me know in the comments what you feel about speed running and if there would be any games that you would speed run.  

You can find more information on this great event here.