Games Done Quick
Community Action
Class of 2025 Inductee
Games Done Quick (GDQ) is a video game organization that has transcended its origins to become a globally recognized cultural and philanthropic institution, all focus around promoting the art of interactive entertainment. Founded by Mike Uyama in 2010, GDQ began as a small, online speedrunning event and has now grown in scale to international, bi-annual marathons that unite thousands of gamers, viewers, and commentators for a singular purpose: to use the spectacle of video games for the greater good.
It all started as “Classic Games Done Quick,” a small gathering of speedrunners from the Speed Demos Archive community. The inaugural event, held from a private residence, raised a little over $10,000 for a charity. This humble beginning set the stage for what would become an international phenomenon demonstrating the power of community. The events, Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) and Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ), are now a cornerstone of the gaming calendar, drawing hundreds of thousands of concurrent viewers and featuring a rotating schedule of elite speedrunners showcasing their incredible skill.
The primary mission of Games Done Quick is to leverage the art of speedrunning for charitable causes. These events have collectively raised over $56 million for a variety of charities, with a focus on the Prevent Cancer Foundation and Doctors Without Borders. GDQ’s fundraising model is innovative and highly engaging, allowing viewers to donate money to unlock special incentives, such as having a runner attempt a harder challenge, naming a character in a game, or choosing a new game for a bonus run.
Throughout its tenure, GDQ has also supported a wide range of other organizations, including the Malala Fund, AbleGamers, Direct Relief, The Trevor Project, and the National Women’s Law Center— often through special or smaller-scale events. This direct, interactive relationship between the audience and the content creators transforms passive spectatorship into an active, philanthropic experience.
Beyond the numbers, GDQ’s impact on video game culture is profound. GDQ shares responsibility in elevating speedrunning from a niche hobby to a form of public performance and a celebrated competitive art form. The organization fosters a diverse and inclusive community, providing a welcoming platform for people of all backgrounds through dedicated sub-communities like Frame Fatales and Black in a Flash. The events are also known for featuring iconic speedrun games like Super Metroid, Celeste, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, as well as modern blockbusters like Elden Ring, and even creative runs where players use instruments or other unique controllers.
Through its events, GDQ has demonstrated that video games are not just a form of entertainment, but a powerful medium for positive change, proving that a shared passion can lead to meaningful and positive real-world impact across the globe.
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