Speedrunning has evolved from a quirky gaming challenge into a global subculture that redefines how people play and experience video games. At its core, speedrunning is the art of completing a game—or a specific part of it—as quickly as possible, often using advanced techniques, glitches, and deep knowledge of game mechanics. But beyond the mechanics, speedrunning culture represents creativity, competition, and a sense of community among gamers worldwide. What began in the corners of online forums has now grown into a phenomenon streamed on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, drawing thousands of viewers to marathons like Games Done Quick.

This blog explores the rise of speedrunning culture, its history, its techniques, and its impact on the gaming world. Whether you’re a casual gamer, a curious spectator, or someone interested in attempting your first run, understanding the obsession and artistry behind speedrunning will give you a fresh perspective on how video games can be played—and celebrated—in completely new ways.
 

The Origins of Speedrunning Culture
 

Early Days in Arcades

Speedrunning’s roots can be traced back to the arcade era, when high scores and fastest completions were recorded on local leaderboards. Gamers would replay levels endlessly to shave off seconds, competing for bragging rights. While the internet wasn’t yet around to broadcast achievements globally, the competitive spirit was alive in every arcade hall.

Rise of Home Consoles

When home consoles like the NES and SNES entered the scene, players started pushing their favorite games—such as Super Mario Bros. or The Legend of Zelda—to the limit. Informal speedrunning began to appear in gaming magazines and forums, where players shared records and strategies.

The Internet Era

The late 1990s and early 2000s truly transformed speedrunning culture. Platforms like Speed Demos Archive created the first spaces dedicated to archiving runs and standardizing rules. Suddenly, what was once a private achievement became a shared cultural moment, paving the way for today’s thriving community.
 

Why Gamers Speedrun: Passion, Challenge, and Obsession
 

The Thrill of Mastery

For many speedrunners, the primary motivation is mastery. Completing a game quickly demands precise execution, split-second decision-making, and a deep understanding of its systems. The feeling of shaving off even a fraction of a second is exhilarating.

Competition and Recognition

Speedrunning provides an avenue for competition that differs from traditional esports. Instead of direct player-vs-player battles, the challenge is against the game itself and the records set by others. Recognition within the community carries immense prestige, as top runners become icons celebrated for their skill and innovation.

The Joy of Discovery

Some gamers are drawn to speedrunning because it rewards creativity. Experimenting with glitches, shortcuts, and unconventional strategies turns speedrunning into a form of digital problem-solving. This constant search for “the next trick” keeps the culture dynamic and exciting.
 

Categories of Speedruns
 

Any%

The most well-known category, Any% focuses on completing a game as fast as possible, regardless of whether major glitches or skips are used. This often leads to surprising and unconventional gameplay paths.

100% Completion

In contrast, 100% runs require players to collect every item, unlock every achievement, or complete every objective before finishing. These runs often take longer but showcase comprehensive mastery of the game.

Glitchless and Other Variants

Glitchless runs disallow exploiting game-breaking bugs, relying solely on skill and strategy. Other categories—like “low%” (finishing with the least items possible) or challenge-specific runs—add variety and creativity, ensuring there’s something for every type of runner.
 

Techniques and Strategies in Speedrunning
 

Route Planning

Before attempting a run, players meticulously plan the most efficient path. This includes deciding which objectives to prioritize and which sections to skip. Some games have routes mapped out like blueprints, studied and refined over years.

Exploiting Glitches

Glitches, while unintended, often become essential tools in speedrunning. From clipping through walls to manipulating save files, exploiting glitches reveals hidden layers of a game and transforms how it’s played.

Precision and Muscle Memory

Speedrunning demands flawless execution. Techniques like frame-perfect jumps or inputs require extensive practice, turning hours of gameplay into a test of endurance and consistency. Runners often practice single segments repeatedly to perfect them before attempting full runs.
 

Speedrunning Communities and Events
 

Online Forums and Discords

Communities thrive online, where players share tutorials, discoveries, and encouragement. Platforms like Reddit, Discord, and dedicated speedrunning sites act as hubs for collaboration and camaraderie.

Streaming Platforms

Twitch and YouTube play a critical role in broadcasting runs. Streamers often attract audiences who not only watch but also provide live feedback, advice, or motivation during attempts.

Games Done Quick (GDQ) and Charity Events

Large-scale events like Games Done Quick highlight speedrunning culture to mainstream audiences. These charity marathons raise millions for causes like cancer research while showcasing the artistry of speedrunning to global audiences.
 

The Psychology Behind Speedrunning
 

Obsession with Perfection

Speedrunning taps into the human desire for improvement. Every run offers a chance to beat personal bests, and the chase for “world record pace” becomes addictive.

Flow State and Focus

Runners often describe entering a “flow state”—a mental zone where time disappears, and gameplay feels effortless. This heightened focus is part of what makes speedrunning so rewarding.

Coping with Frustration

Not every run goes as planned. Failures and resets are part of the process, requiring patience and resilience. Learning to embrace failure is an essential psychological skill for any dedicated speedrunner.
 

Speedrunning and Game Development
 

Developers Acknowledging Runners

Some developers embrace speedrunning culture, adding features like timer modes or leaderboards. Games such as Celeste and Super Meat Boy are designed with speedrunners in mind.

Patching Glitches vs. Preserving Them

Developers face the question: Should glitches be fixed or preserved? Some patches eliminate strategies beloved by speedrunners, while others intentionally leave them in to respect the community.

Mutual Influence

Speedrunners influence game design just as much as developers shape speedrunning. Their creative use of mechanics often inspires new ways of thinking about level design, movement, and accessibility.
 

How to Get Started in Speedrunning
 

Choose the Right Game

The best way to begin is to pick a game you love. Familiarity with the mechanics makes learning speedrunning strategies less intimidating and more enjoyable.

Study Runs and Resources

Watch tutorials, guides, and recorded runs to understand routes and techniques. Most communities are beginner-friendly and offer detailed resources for newcomers.

Practice and Set Realistic Goals

Start small—aim for completing a game faster than your usual pace before attempting advanced categories. Celebrate small victories, like shaving off a few seconds, and gradually work your way toward competitive times.