Speedrunning has taken the gaming world by storm, turning the act of completing a game as fast as possible into a highly competitive and entertaining pursuit. Whether it's glitchless runs, 100% completions, or the more chaotic glitch-filled runs, speedrunning has a diverse and dedicated community. In this article, we'll take a journey through the history of speedrunning, examining key moments that have shaped this vibrant scene.
Early Days of Speedrunning
The concept of speedrunning can be traced back to the early 1990s when players began to share their fastest completion times through magazines and local gatherings. One of the first documented speedruns was for the game "Metroid" on the NES, where players would take screenshots of their end times to showcase their skills.
Key Moment: Doom's Demo Recording
In 1993, the release of Doom introduced a revolutionary feature: the ability to record and share gameplay demos. This allowed players to not only prove their speed but also to analyze and improve their runs by studying others. Doom's community quickly embraced this, leading to the birth of one of the first dedicated speedrunning communities.
The Rise of Online Communities
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the rise of the internet, which had a profound impact on speedrunning. Websites like Speed Demos Archive (SDA) and later, Speedrun.com, provided platforms for gamers to upload their runs, share strategies, and compete in a global arena.
Key Moment: Speed Demos Archive's Founding
Founded in 1998, SDA became the go-to site for serious speedrunners. It established standard rules and categories for runs, helping to legitimize and organize the burgeoning community. SDA's marathon events, like the annual Quake Done Quick, showcased the incredible skills of speedrunners and attracted a wider audience.
Memorable Speedrunning Milestones
As speedrunning grew, certain moments and runs became legendary within the community. These milestones often involved groundbreaking techniques, surprising discoveries, or incredible displays of skill.
Key Milestone: Ocarina of Time's Wrong Warp
In 2012, a runner named Cosmo Wright (now Narcissa Wright) performed a "Wrong Warp" glitch in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, allowing Link to teleport to different parts of the game world. This discovery drastically changed how the game was run and opened the door for new strategies and faster times.
Key Milestone: The First Sub-10 Minute Any% Run of Super Mario Bros.
In 2010, a runner named AndrewG achieved a sub-10 minute time for Super Mario Bros., a highly coveted milestone that demonstrated the peak of precision and skill required for speedrunning one of the most iconic games of all time.
Technological Advancements and Their Impact
Advances in technology have continuously pushed the boundaries of what is possible in speedrunning. Improved recording equipment, emulators, and tools like TAS (Tool-Assisted Speedruns) have all contributed to the evolution of the scene.
Impact of Streaming Platforms
The advent of streaming platforms like Twitch has also had a significant impact. Live streaming allows runners to engage with their audience in real time, creating a more interactive and community-driven experience. Events like Games Done Quick (GDQ), which are streamed live, have become major fixtures in the speedrunning calendar, raising millions for charity and showcasing the best of the best.
Prominent Speedrunning Events and Records
Speedrunning is not just about individual achievements; it's also about community and competition. Several events and records stand out as highlights in the history of speedrunning.
Games Done Quick (GDQ)
Started in 2010, GDQ events are bi-annual speedrunning marathons that raise money for charity. These events bring together top runners from around the world and have become a celebration of the speedrunning community's talent and generosity.
Key Record: Celeste Any% by TGH
One of the standout runs in recent years is TGH's Any% run of Celeste. Known for its tight controls and challenging gameplay, Celeste has become a favorite in the speedrunning community. TGH's mastery of the game and his world record runs have set a high bar for other runners to strive for.
The Last Lap: Reflecting on the History of Speedrunning
Speedrunning has come a long way from its early days of recorded demos and magazine submissions. Today, it's a global phenomenon that continues to innovate and inspire. The community's passion and dedication have turned speedrunning into an art form, where every frame and every input can make the difference between a good run and a world record.
As we look back on the history of speedrunning, it's clear that this is more than just a hobby; it's a testament to the creativity, skill, and perseverance of gamers around the world. Whether you're a seasoned runner or new to the scene, the history of speedrunning offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of gaming as both a pastime and a competitive pursuit.
By diving into the key moments and milestones of speedrunning history, we've highlighted the incredible journey of this unique gaming subculture. Speedrunning continues to captivate and challenge players, promising an exciting future filled with even more impressive achievements.
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