The people behind Games Done Quick and Summer Games Done Quick have confirmed that SGDQ 2021 is still going ahead. However, after much thought, the event is being moved to an online-only format for the health and safety of all participants. This is a fantastic move, and to make the decision so early means that everyone can stay safe and keep to current rules without fearing that they’re putting their health at risk. While the event is generally easier to pull off from a single location, it’s not worth risking people’s health when it can be held digitally at a push.
If you’re not aware of what this event is, it’s a speedrunning event that raises money for charity. Content creators and speedrunners from around the world all come together to showcase runs in the games they love to raise money for Doctors Without Borders. Every year this event raises millions of dollars that go towards getting doctors out to countries that need them but can’t afford to pay them. It’s an incredible cause to support, and the fact that so many people in the games industry work together to support it is heartwarming.
I love watching this event because I get to see my favorite games be ripped apart by those who know them inside and out. It’s impressive just how much someone can learn about a game by speedrunning it. While it’s not a side of the industry most people think about, once or twice a year this event reminds us all that certain charities would be a lot worse off without it. It’s also great to see so many prominent content creators giving up their time to help generate some of those funds.
This year’s event hasn’t got a confirmed roster yet because submissions have just opened. Every year there’s always a good mix of classics and newer releases. This year I’m hoping to see a broken run of Cyberpunk 2077, as well as a new Hitman reboot trilogy speedrun. With so many games out there to run, it’s hard to pin one down that I’d love to see more, but Monster Hunter Rise is certainly one that I’d like to see broken apart for the sake of this cause.
