How to Start Video Game Speedrunning: A Beginner’s Guide With 10 Easy Steps

Guest article provided by: davidreavis.com

The year was 1998. Goldeneye 007 had been out on the N64 for a handful of months and it was my entire world. My dad was just as much of a fiend for the game as I was, and despite the efforts of my mom, Dad burst into my room around 11:00 pm on a school night and shook me awake.

“I did it. It’s done. Control is completed on 00 agent!” my dad excitedly shouted into my still groggy face.

Wiping the sleep from my eyes and slowly realizing the gravity of what he just proclaimed, my heart began to race. I sprinted from my room and jumped down the stairs to view the objective completion screen:

Protect Natalya ✔️

Disable GoldenEye Satellite ✔️

Destroy the Armored Mainframes ✔️

I couldn’t believe it. The level that we had been stuck on for days was finally complete. Only a handful of levels stood between us and complete mastery of Goldeneye. Though I was ecstatic to continue onto our next leg of the journey, a nagging feeling sat in the pit of my stomach. Dad’s completion time was “16:27.” Though this was on 00 agent difficulty, and I knew that the time would be higher, I remembered that the cheat code for Control required beating the level on Secret Agent in under “10:00.”

“How is that possible,” I thought. “Surely no one can beat the level that fast…”

Jump forward to the summer of that year. My new obsession was watching Wouter Jansen beating the Goldeneye levels at blinding speeds. I would start downloading one of his videos on my dial-up internet each morning (I could only download videos of the shorter levels). By the time I got home from school, my new treasure would be ready.
Watching this human blaze through the game confused and astonished me.
This was my first introduction to video game speedrunning.

(Video Credit: @w00ter007)

What is Video Game Speedrunning?

Video game speedrunning has essentially been around since the dawn of gaming itself. It’s the practice of completing a video game or a particular section of it as quickly as possible. But it’s not just about mindless fast-forwarding; it’s a performance art that requires skill, strategy, and deep knowledge of the game mechanics.

The earliest recorded forms of speedrunning were seen in the 1980s, around the time of arcade games and high-score competitions. With the rise of internet communities in the late 90s, speedrunning moved online, making it a global phenomenon. Websites like SpeedDemosArchive and SpeedRunsLive became the hub of this rapidly growing community. Today, speedrunning is a staple of the gaming culture, with annual events like Awesome Games Done Quick and Summer Games Done Quick drawing in millions of viewers and raising significant funds for charity.

Reasons to Learn Video Game Speedrunning

Why should you get into speedrunning? For starters, it adds a whole new layer to your gaming experience. Here’s why you might want to take it up:

  • Enhanced Skills: Speedrunning often involves mastering complex game mechanics, which can greatly enhance your overall gaming skills.
  • Competitive Thrill: The rush of not only competing against the game but also against the clock and other players can be very exciting.
  • Community Engagement: The speedrunning community is one of the most welcoming and supportive in the gaming world. It’s a great way to make new friends and learn from others.
  • Charitable Causes: Many speedrunning events are organized for charity, making it a fun way to give back to the community.

How to Start Video Game Speedrunning

1. Choose Your Game

The first step to getting started with speedrunning is choosing the right video game. It sounds simple, but there are many factors to consider to find the ideal title that will keep you engaged and motivated throughout your speedrunning journey.

Below are some steps to guide you:

  • Consider Your Interests: The first step is to identify the genres and types of games that you enjoy the most. Speedrunning, unlike casual gaming, involves repeating the same game – even the same parts of a game – over and over again to master the fastest route. So, pick a game you know you will love playing repeatedly.
  • Look at What You’ve Already Played: Check your own library of games. If there’s a video game that you have played and enjoyed multiple times already, that might be a great introduction to the speedrunning scene. The game doesn’t have to be a popular title; it can be any game that you enjoy and are familiar with.
  • Research Popular Games in the Speedrunning Community: Games like Super Mario and other Nintendo titles are often chosen for speedrunning due to their well-known gameplay mechanics and the availability of speedrunning communities. Websites such as Speedrun.com offer a link to various speedrunning communities and world records, which can help you decide. Most popular games have a larger community and more resources available, which could be advantageous for a beginner.
  • Consider Game Length and Complexity: The entire game length can greatly influence your choice. Shorter games or games with faster routes are often preferred as they demand less time to speedrun and are quicker to learn. Also, consider the complexity of the game; if the game is filled with impossible-to-navigate glitches, it may not be the best choice.
  • Emulator vs. Original Hardware: Some games can be played using an emulator on your computer, which can make recording your runs and practicing specific segments easier. Other games, especially those on consoles, might require the original hardware. Keep in mind that some speedrunning communities may have rules about using emulators, so always check in advance.
  • Availability of Resources and Guides: Some games have more resources available, like guides, tutorials, and dedicated communities ready to help newcomers. These games may be easier to start with due to the available support.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for the best game to speedrun. The “best” game will depend on your personal preference, your gaming ability, your memory and understanding of game mechanics, and your willingness to explore and master new strategies. Choose a game that you love and are excited about beating as fast as possible, and you’ll be on the right path.

2. Watch Speedruns

After you’ve chosen your game, the next step is to immerse yourself in the world of speedrunning by watching other gamers speedrun the game. This will not only give you a sense of what speedrunning the game is like but also expose you to various strategies, routes, and techniques you may not have considered. Watching speedruns can be both instructive and inspirational.

Here is how to go about it:

  • Find Speedruns of Your Game: Websites like Speedrun.com, YouTube, and Twitch are great places to start. Speedrun.com, for example, keeps a database of world records for a wide range of video games. You can search for your chosen game and find a link to the current world record speedrun, which can serve as a great introduction.
  • Take Note of Different Strategies: As you watch these speedruns, take notes on the different strategies the speedrunners use. Are they taking advantage of any glitches? How do they handle difficult sections of the game? What kind of routes are they taking? Pay attention to the gameplay and try to understand why the speedrunners are making the choices they make.
  • Observe and Understand the Route: One of the most crucial aspects of speedrunning is the route taken through the game. Unlike casual playthroughs, speedrunning is all about finding the fastest, most efficient route through the entire game. Observe the path taken by the speedrunners and how they navigate through the game’s objectives.
  • Understand the Usage of Power-Ups and Glitches: Some speedruns rely heavily on power-ups and glitches to shave off time. Games like Super Mario, for example, have been broken down to such a degree that speedrunners have found ways to bypass entire sections of the game. If such techniques are used, try to understand how and why.
  • Learn the Language: Speedrunning has its own language, with terms like “glitch,” “route,” “split,” and more. As you watch speedruns, you’ll start to understand these terms and become more comfortable with the speedrunning scene.
  • Engage with the Community: If you can, try to engage with the speedrunning community of your chosen game. Ask questions, participate in discussions, and try to learn from experienced gamers. Speedrunning communities are generally very welcoming and helpful to newcomers.

By watching speedruns, you’ll be exposing yourself to the wider world of speedrunning and learning valuable strategies and techniques. It’s a crucial step towards becoming a speedrunner yourself, as it provides a clear example of what speedrunning your chosen game looks like and what is possible to achieve. Remember, even the fastest world record started with someone deciding to jump into the game for the first time!

3. Equip Yourself Properly

Now that you’ve chosen your game and watched other speedrunners in action, it’s time to equip yourself properly for your own speedrunning journey. In speedrunning, your equipment can make a significant difference, and having the right tools is key to creating a seamless and efficient playthrough.

Here are some pointers on how to accomplish this:

  • Get the Right Hardware: Depending on your chosen video game, you might need specific hardware. If you’re speedrunning a classic Nintendo title like Super Mario, for example, you might need the original console or a compatible one. Other games may require a powerful PC or a specific console. Make sure your hardware meets the game’s requirements and is capable of running the game smoothly without any lags or glitches that could impact your speed.
  • Consider an Emulator: For some games, especially older titles, using an emulator on a computer can be an excellent option. Emulators allow you to play console games on your computer, often with additional functionalities like save states that can be incredibly useful for practicing specific sections of a game. However, some speedrunning communities have rules about the use of emulators and in some cases, they might not be allowed for official world record attempts.
  • Input Devices: Having a comfortable and responsive controller or keyboard can make a huge difference. Some gamers prefer the tactile feedback of certain controllers or keyboards, so choose what feels most comfortable for you. This also extends to any other peripheral you may use, such as a gaming mouse or a joystick.
  • Capture and Timing Equipment: If you’re serious about speedrunning and want to share your runs with the community or submit them for world records, you’ll need a way to record your gameplay. This could be game capture software for PC games or a capture card for console games. Additionally, speedrunning requires accurate timing to track your progress and improvement. Tools like LiveSplit provide a way to time your runs down to the millisecond and can be a valuable part of your speedrunning setup.
  • High-Speed Internet: If you plan on streaming your speedruns or watching others for strategies, a reliable, high-speed internet connection is a must.
  • Comfort: This one is often overlooked, but being comfortable while you play can make a significant difference. This might mean having a comfortable chair to sit in, ensuring the room has adequate lighting, or even having a bottle of water nearby. Long speedrunning sessions can be physically demanding, so ensure your comfort to perform at your best.

Remember, the goal is to create an environment where you can focus entirely on the game and your speedrunning strategies. Any distraction or discomfort can affect your performance, so it’s worth investing time and potentially money in getting your setup right. You’re going to be spending a lot of time with this game, after all, so make sure you’re equipped to enjoy the journey.

4. Get a Baseline Time

(Photo Credit: Ennopp112)

With your chosen videogame and the necessary equipment at the ready, you are now prepared to embark on your speedrunning journey. But before you start mastering tricks and glitches to shave off precious seconds, it’s essential to get a baseline time. This initial speedrun, while not likely to break any records, will give you an idea of your starting point and serve as a marker for your progress.

Here’s how you can establish your baseline time:

  • Play Through the Entire Game: Without using any particular strategies or tricks, play through the game from start to finish. This isn’t a competition yet; it’s about getting a feel for the game’s story, mechanics, and route. Familiarize yourself with the controls, learn how to navigate the game’s world, and understand the game’s objectives. In short, just have fun playing the game!
  • Time Your Playthrough: Use a stopwatch or a timekeeping tool such as LiveSplit to record your playthrough time. Ensure the timer starts right when you gain control of your character and stops when you reach the game’s end. This time is your baseline, a marker from where you’ll work to improve.
  • Don’t Exploit Glitches or Use Speedrunning Strategies: For this initial playthrough, resist the urge to employ any speedrunning strategies or exploit any known glitches. The goal is to get a baseline time for a regular playthrough, without any shortcuts.
  • Record Your Playthrough: If possible, record your gameplay. Recording your baseline run will provide a resource to revisit later. It can be helpful to understand your initial approach to the game, spot areas where you struggled, and see where there might be room for improvement.

Remember, your initial speedrun sets the stage for your progression, so don’t be disheartened if your time is nowhere near the world record. Speedrunning is a journey, not a sprint. The important thing is that you now have a starting point. From here, every second you shave off is a testament to your improving skills and strategies.

5. Learn the Routes

(Photo Credit: Puwexil)

After you have a baseline time for your game, the next step in your speedrunning journey is to learn the routes. Unlike a casual playthrough, a speedrun doesn’t typically involve exploring every corner of a game’s world. Instead, speedrunners find the quickest, most direct routes to reach the game’s end. Knowing the most efficient path is a crucial part of speedrunning and can drastically reduce your playtime.

Here’s how you can learn the routes for your chosen game:

  • Study Other Speedruns: Use resources such as Speedrun.com or YouTube to watch speedruns of your chosen game. Pay particular attention to the paths taken by top runners. These are likely the most efficient routes, honed over countless hours of gameplay. Try to understand why certain paths are chosen over others and how they contribute to the overall speed of the run.
  • Map Out the Game: For some games, it may be useful to sketch out a map or use an existing one. Mark the paths taken by speedrunners and note down any obstacles or important points along the way. This can help you visualize the route and understand its layout.
  • Practice, Practice, Practice: After you’ve studied the route, it’s time to practice it. Play through the game again, this time following the speedrunning route. It’s okay if you don’t remember it perfectly at first or if you make mistakes. The goal is to become more and more familiar with the route through repeated playthroughs.
  • Segment Your Run: Breaking your run into smaller segments or ‘splits’ can make practicing the route more manageable. Use a timing tool like LiveSplit to record your time for each segment. This way, you can focus on improving one part of the run at a time and see where you need more practice.
  • Experiment and Explore: While the established speedrunning routes are often the most efficient, don’t be afraid to explore and experiment. You might find shortcuts or strategies that work better for you. Remember, many speedrunning strategies were discovered by players who dared to try something different!
  • Join a Community: Participating in speedrunning communities can give you insights into the most efficient routes and offer advice on how to navigate them. Speedrunners often share their knowledge and discoveries, helping each other improve.

Learning the route is a critical step in speedrunning. It requires time, patience, and a lot of practice. But as you become more familiar with the route and start to navigate it with increasing speed, you’ll see your baseline time start to drop, and the true fun of speedrunning will begin to unfold.

6. Set Personal Goals

After familiarizing yourself with the routes and having a few practice runs, it’s time to set some personal goals. While the global records might be exhilarating, trying to beat them from the outset can be daunting. Instead, focus on setting and achieving personal milestones that motivate you and represent tangible progress.

Here’s how to go about setting personal goals for your speedrun journey:

  • Establish Incremental Goals: Your initial times serve as your baseline. From there, consider setting incremental goals that challenge you but remain within reach. This might mean shaving off 5 minutes from your last attempt or successfully executing a specific strategy or shortcut.
  • Prioritize Learning over Speed: Early on, it might be beneficial to set goals around learning and mastering certain game mechanics or tricks, rather than strictly focusing on time. This might mean perfecting a tricky jump or learning to navigate a difficult section flawlessly.
  • Focus on Specific Segments: If there’s a particular part of the game that is slowing you down, set a goal to improve on that specific segment. You can use timing tools like LiveSplit to track your times for individual sections of the game.
  • Celebrate Your Personal Records (PRs): Each time you beat your best time, it’s a Personal Record. Celebrate these victories, no matter how small they seem. Each PR represents progress and deserves recognition.
  • Create a Progression System: A progression system helps you visualize your improvement over time. This could be as simple as a spreadsheet where you record your times and the date of each run, or a more complex system that also includes notes about each run and the strategies you used.
  • Participate in Community Challenges: Many gaming communities organize challenges or mini-competitions that can be excellent intermediate goals. These challenges often focus on specific aspects of a game and can be a fun way to measure your progress and get involved in the community.
  • Keep Your Goals Flexible: As you improve, your goals should evolve too. What was once a challenge may now be easy, and it’s okay to adjust your goals accordingly. Your goals are there to motivate and challenge you, not limit you.

Remember, the journey is as important as the destination. Setting personal goals gives you milestones to work towards and allows you to celebrate your progress along the way. By focusing on your own growth and enjoyment, you ensure that your speedrun experience remains fun and rewarding, regardless of how close you are to world records.

7. Practice, Practice, Practice

Now that you’ve established your routes and set your personal goals, it’s time to put those into action. The key to improving your game performance is consistent and focused practice. Here’s how you can effectively practice your game:

  • Create a Practice Schedule: Consistency is the key to mastery. Dedicate specific times for practice and stick to the schedule. This doesn’t mean you have to spend hours every day – even a focused half-hour daily session can lead to significant progress over time.
  • Work on Specific Segments: Break the game into manageable sections or ‘splits,’ and practice them individually. Working on specific segments helps you refine your strategies and build muscle memory, making your runs smoother and faster.
  • Use Save States: Many games, especially when played on an emulator, offer the ability to create save states. This function lets you save the game at any point and reload that exact state later. It’s incredibly useful for practicing specific sections of a game or a particular trick over and over again.
  • Keep Track of Your Times: Document your times for each practice session. Use a tool like LiveSplit or a simple spreadsheet to record your time for each segment and your overall run. This will help you monitor your progress over time.
  • Participate in the Community: Engage with the gaming community on various platforms. Many have sections dedicated to practice, where gamers share strategies, offer advice, and even challenge each other to friendly competition. Websites like Speedrun.com have extensive forums where you can ask questions, share your progress, and learn from others.
  • Explore Different Strategies: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different approaches. Sometimes, a strategy that works well for others might not work as well for you. Feel free to tweak routes or try different techniques until you find what suits you best.
  • Take Breaks: It’s essential to rest and give your mind and body time to recover. Taking regular breaks can prevent burnout and help you maintain your focus during your practice sessions.

Remember, every publisher designs their game differently, so each title will require its unique approach and set of strategies. It might take time and a lot of practice, but with every session, you’re making progress. With patience and persistence, you’ll see yourself getting closer to your goals, one run at a time.

8. Healthy Gaming Habits

Engaging in video games in an intense, dedicated manner like improving your run times requires a balanced approach to ensure you’re taking care of your overall well-being. It’s crucial to cultivate healthy gaming habits to maintain your physical and mental health, which will, in turn, improve your performance.

Here are some ways to foster those habits:

  • Take Regular Breaks: Prolonged gaming can strain your eyes, muscles, and mind. Remember to take breaks every hour or so to stretch, rest your eyes, and refresh your mind. This not only helps to prevent physical discomfort but also maintains your concentration levels.
  • Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Keep a bottle of water at your gaming station and hydrate regularly. Also, avoid too much junk food while gaming. Opt for balanced, nutritious snacks to keep your energy levels up.
  • Maintain Good Posture: Ensure you’re sitting comfortably and your screen, keyboard, and controller are positioned ergonomically. Maintaining good posture can help prevent back, neck, and wrist discomfort or injuries over time.
  • Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity is vital for overall health and can help counterbalance the sedentary nature of gaming. Even simple exercises during your break, like stretching or a quick walk around your room, can be beneficial.
  • Get Enough Sleep: Ensure you’re getting enough restful sleep. Lack of sleep can affect your reaction times, decision-making skills, and overall game performance.
  • Mindful Gaming: Be aware of how much time you’re dedicating to gaming, and ensure it doesn’t interfere with your other responsibilities or relationships. It’s important to have a balance between gaming and other aspects of your life.
  • Manage Frustration: Every gamer encounters challenging moments or glitches in the course of playing. Instead of getting frustrated, try to see these as opportunities to learn and improve. If you find yourself becoming overly frustrated, take a break and return to the game with a clear mind.
  • Engage with the Community: Participating in online communities can enhance your gaming experience. Websites like Speedrun.com provide platforms where you can connect with other gamers, share experiences, and offer support.
  • Listen to Your Body: If you notice any consistent discomfort, pain, or other concerning symptoms while or after gaming, don’t ignore it. Consult with a healthcare professional to prevent long-term health issues.

Remember, your health is your biggest asset, even in gaming. Cultivating these habits will not only make your gaming experience more enjoyable but also ensure you can enjoy this hobby for a long time without compromising your well-being.

9. Record and Review Your Runs

To effectively improve in any skill, it’s essential to review your performance. The same principle applies to gaming: recording and reviewing your runs provides valuable insights into your gameplay, helping you understand where you can improve and how to do it.

Here’s how you can go about recording and reviewing your runs:

  • Setup for Recording: First, you’ll need to set up a method to record your gameplay. There are various ways to do this, depending on the platform you’re playing on. Many consoles have built-in recording features, and there are numerous software options for PC gamers. OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a popular free choice that many gamers use.
  • Capture the Important Elements: Make sure your recording setup captures the necessary aspects of your run. This includes not only the gameplay itself but also any timers or splits you’re using, as well as your inputs if possible. This will give you the most comprehensive view of your run when you review it.
  • Consistent Recording: Aim to record as many of your runs as possible. This will give you a large set of data to analyze and allow you to track your progress over time.
  • Review Your Gameplay: After recording, take the time to watch your runs. Look for areas where you struggled, made errors, or slowed down. Pay close attention to how you handled tricky sections or glitches in the course of the game.
  • Take Notes: As you review, make notes of the things you want to work on. Documenting these points will give you clear objectives for your next practice sessions.
  • Compare Your Runs: If you’re comfortable with it, consider comparing your runs to those of more experienced players. Many speedrunners share their record-breaking runs on their websites or platforms like YouTube. Remember, the goal isn’t to replicate their gameplay exactly, but to learn from their strategies and adapt them to your style.
  • Use Review Tools: Use software tools that allow you to slow down your recordings, or view multiple runs side by side. This can help you better understand your gameplay and notice details that you might have missed at full speed.
  • Share and Get Feedback: The speedrunning community can be a valuable resource for feedback. Consider sharing your runs on community platforms and asking for advice. Remember to be open to constructive criticism, as it can provide fresh perspectives and useful tips to improve.

Remember, every great gamer has a memory of times when they weren’t so great. Recording and reviewing your runs is an important step in recognizing your progress and continually learning and improving. Keep track of where you’ve been to better navigate where you’re going.

10. Join Races

(Photo Credit: AwesomeGamesDoneQuick)

Joining races is an excellent way to put all the hard work and practice you’ve put into your game to the test. This not only gives you the chance to compete against others and learn from them, but it can also be a lot of fun and very rewarding.

Here’s how you can go about joining races:

  • Find the Right Platform: Several online platforms organize and host races for a variety of video games. Websites like SpeedRunsLive and RaceTime.gg are popular amongst gaming communities. Find a platform that supports your chosen game and create an account.
  • Understand the Rules: Before entering a race, it’s crucial to read and understand the rules. Each game or race can have its specific rules, from what glitches are allowed, to when to start the timer. Ensuring you’re familiar with these rules will avoid any unwanted surprises during the race.
  • Start with Casual Races: If you’re new to racing, starting with more casual races can be a great introduction. These races are less about who finishes first and more about the fun of participating.
  • Try Different Race Formats: Races can come in different formats, from traditional races where everyone starts at the same time, to asynchronous races where players can complete the game at their leisure within a set period. Trying different formats can help you find what you enjoy the most.
  • Prepare for the Race: Make sure you have a stable internet connection for the race, your game and recording software are running smoothly, and you’re well-rested and ready to compete.
  • Participate and Learn: Joining races isn’t just about winning; it’s an excellent opportunity to learn. Pay attention to other players, their strategies and routes. Even if you don’t come in first, every race is an opportunity to learn something new and improve your gameplay.
  • Stay Respectful and Sportsmanlike: Remember, at the end of the day, everyone’s there to have fun. Always respect your fellow racers and the organizers, and keep a positive attitude, whether you win or lose.
  • Join the Community: Participating in races also means becoming a part of a community. Engage with other participants, join discussions, share your experiences, and make friends along the way.

Remember, joining races should be a fun and enriching experience. It’s not solely about crossing the finish line first but about challenging yourself, learning, and most importantly, enjoying the game. So take a deep breath, jump right in, and happy racing!

Key Considerations For Successful Video Game Speedrunning

While speedrunning might seem as simple as playing a game fast, there’s more to it than meets the eye. A successful speedrun requires a deep understanding of the rules of the game, precision, quick decision-making, and most importantly, patience.

Firstly, a speedrunner should not only understand the game’s mechanics but also its quirks, exploits, tricks, and glitches that can be used to gain an edge. Secondly, accuracy and quick decision-making are vital as they can mean the difference between setting a new record or failing a run. Lastly, but most importantly, patience is key. Speedrunning involves a lot of trial and error and learning from mistakes. Therefore, perseverance is essential in your journey to become a speedrunner.

Taking it to the Next Level: How to Become Advanced at Video Game Speedrunning

As you become more comfortable with speedrunning, you can start experimenting with advanced techniques. This could mean developing your own unique routes, exploring lesser-known glitches, or even speedrunning multiple games at once.

You can also start participating in online tournaments and marathons to test your skills against others. Additionally, consider streaming your runs. This is not only a great way to engage with the community but also a way to get feedback on your strategies.

Alternatives to Speedrunning

If you find speedrunning not to your taste, don’t worry! There are many other ways to engage with video games competitively and creatively.

  • High Score Chasing: This is a classic form of competition, where you aim for the highest score rather than the fastest time.
  • Challenge Running: This involves completing a game with self-imposed restrictions, such as no damage run or a minimal level run.
  • Game Development and Modding: If you love understanding game mechanics, why not try your hand at creating or modifying games yourself?
  • Esports: If you thrive on competition and teamwork, esports might be for you. There are leagues and tournaments for a variety of games, both casual and professional.

No matter what path you choose, remember that the most important thing is to enjoy yourself! The developers of these games worked so hard to provide you with an entertaining experience!

Conclusion

After sinking countless hours of my life into Goldeneye speedrunning (I have the health bars tattooed on my right shoulder. I love that game), I dipped my toes into other games to see how quickly I could conquer them. The number of resets I have on Kirby’s Dreamland 2 for the Gameboy would shock and disgust you. But, I would never trade any of them for anything.

I have incredible memories of speedrunning and still boot up copies of my classic favorites from time to time to see where I now stand. Speedrunning introduced me to communities of amazing people and gave me opportunities to contribute to causes that I would never have known about had my dad not woken me up late on a school night to show me the Control 00 Agent completion screen.

If you’re interested in evolving your love of your favorite games beyond what you ever thought was possible, choose your game and give speedrunning a try. Gotta go fast.

About the Author

David Reavis

Software/Web Developer & co-CEO

With over 12 years of invaluable experience in the tech industry, David Reavis stands as a versatile trailblazer with a vast array of skills. From software development to web design, IT leadership, and plugin development, David’s journey has been fueled by a passion for empowering others through technology.