SGDQ runs towards $3 Million.

As I sit here and watch the final moments of Elden Ring being speedran, the final moments of another GDQ event, I can't help but feel a sense of comfort. Since 2010, Games Done Quick has raised just under $40 million for charities like Doctors Without Borders, The Prevent Cancer Foundation, and the AbleGamers Foundation. What started out as a small event held in the literal basement of a participant has turned into a week-long 24/7 event with hundreds of runners and an ever growing community behind it.

GDQ returned for its first in person event since the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with social distancing in the crowd and some runners still choosing to participate remotely, the event hasn't lost its hype and sense of community. The goal? Simple. Run through a variety of games as fast as possible. Some runners have special donation incentives for their runs that will either hinder their abilities or simply make the run more interactive for viewers. Things like file names, endings for games, and character selections are all up for bidding throughout the marathon.

Some of the runs I recommend from this year were the Super Mario Relay Race, Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble, Super Mario Sunshine (prime example of turning a tragic run into something great) and the first GDQ showing for Elden Ring. SGDQ ended with a grand total of $3,016,687.