Speedrunning has become a popular pastime within the video game community in recent years. For those unfamiliar with the term, speedrunning is the act of completing a video game as quickly as possible, often using glitches, exploits, and advanced techniques to shave off seconds or even minutes from the overall playtime. It’s a challenging and often adrenaline-fueled activity that requires a deep understanding of game mechanics, quick reflexes, and a great deal of patience. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the art of speedrunning, exploring its history, its appeal, and some of the most famous speedruns in video game history.
The origins of speedrunning can be traced back to the early days of video gaming, when players would compete to see who could finish a game the fastest. With the advent of online communities and streaming platforms like Twitch, speedrunning has evolved into a global phenomenon, with thousands of players around the world attempting to set new records and push the limits of what’s possible within their favorite games.
One of the key appeals of speedrunning is the sense of competition it fosters. Whether you’re racing against the clock or competing against other players for the top spot on a leaderboard, there’s a thrill that comes with trying to beat a game in record time. This competitive aspect has led to the establishment of online communities and events dedicated to speedrunning, such as the Games Done Quick charity marathons, where players raise money for various causes while showcasing their skills.
But speedrunning isn’t just about competition – it’s also a form of artistic expression. Speedrunners often find creative ways to exploit game mechanics and break the intended rules of a game, resulting in runs that are as entertaining to watch as they are impressive to pull off. From sequence breaks that allow players to skip large portions of a game to frame-perfect tricks that require pixel-perfect precision, there’s a level of creativity and ingenuity that goes into every successful speedrun.
Of course, speedrunning isn’t without its challenges. The nature of the hobby means that players often have to spend hours, days, or even weeks practicing and perfecting their runs before they can achieve a new record. This level of dedication and commitment can be grueling, but for many speedrunners, the sense of accomplishment that comes with beating a game in record time is more than worth the effort.
One of the most famous speedruns in video game history is the “Super Mario Bros.” any% category. In this run, players attempt to beat the original “Super Mario Bros.” game as quickly as possible, using a glitch known as the “flagpole glitch” to skip straight to the end of the game. The current world record for this category is held by speedrunner Kosmic, who completed the game in just under four and a half minutes – an impressive feat considering the game’s intended playtime is closer to half an hour.
Another iconic speedrun is the “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.” any% run. Considered one of the most challenging and technical speedruns in the community, this run requires players to execute a series of precise glitches and tricks in order to bypass major sections of the game and defeat the final boss as quickly as possible. The current world record for this category is held by speedrunner Torje, who completed the game in just over 17 minutes – a remarkable achievement considering the game’s average playtime is closer to 30 hours.
But speedrunning isn’t just limited to classic games like “Super Mario Bros.” and “The Legend of Zelda.” Modern games have also become popular choices for speedrunners, with titles like “Dark Souls,” “Celeste,” and “Doom” attracting a dedicated community of players looking to test their skills and push the boundaries of what’s possible within their favorite games.
One of the key factors that determines the success of a speedrun is the collaboration between players and developers. In some cases, developers actively encourage speedrunning by providing tools and resources to help players optimize their runs and discover new strategies. This level of support has led to the creation of official speedrunning categories and leaderboards within games, cementing speedrunning as a legitimate and respected form of play within the gaming community.
For many players, speedrunning offers a unique and rewarding way to experience their favorite games. Whether you’re a casual player looking for a new challenge or a dedicated speedrunner hoping to break a new record, the art of speedrunning is a thrilling and exhilarating activity that showcases the creativity, skill, and passion of the video game community. So next time you pick up a controller, why not try your hand at speedrunning – you never know, you might just discover a new passion and set a new record in the process.
