Speedrunning?
Speedrunning is a fascinating practice that involves completing a video game as fast as possible. Far from a simple race against the clock, this discipline requires players to exploit glitches or advanced techniques to shave off every possible fraction of a second. Once a niche technical challenge, speedrunning has morphed into a multifaceted mass phenomenon. Today, it pushes the boundaries of gaming through cutting-edge techniques while uniting a vibrant global community on platforms like Twitch.
In this article, we will explore the history of this competitive discipline, the various categories that structure it, and the complex strategies employed by players. We will also delve into the societal impact of this practice, notably through French-speaking and European charity marathons that now manage to raise millions of euros for noble causes.
Key Takeaways
Here is what you need to know about the world of speedrunning:
- Diverse categories: Speedrunning is divided into strict formats, such as Any% (no restrictions), 100% (all objectives completed), Glitchless (no intentional bugs used), and Low% (minimum items collected).
- Technological assistance: Tool-assisted speedrunning (TAS) pushes the limits by programming software to play on the user's behalf, achieving performances that are humanly impossible.
- The power of charity speedrunning: The French-speaking community has demonstrated immense generosity. The inaugural "SpeeDons" marathon in 2021 notably raised over €614,000 for Doctors of the World, according to the organization's figures.
- A unifying community: Thanks to live streaming, speedrunners constantly collaborate to discover new strategies and document glitches.
How Did Speedrunning Evolve?
Speedrunning has evolved from a mere curiosity into a global phenomenon with its own competitions and communities. To understand this evolution, it is essential to trace it back to its origins and explore how the discipline has transformed over the decades.
Early Days and the Forum Era
In its early days, without the internet to widely share achievements, attempts to finish a game as quickly as possible were confined to small circles. It was with the advent of online forums in the 1990s that speedrunning began to gain traction. Players shared their times and strategies, creating a genuine sense of collective emulation.
The Internet Age and Live Streaming
The transition into the 21st century marked a decisive turning point. The rise of the internet allowed for broader distribution of speedrun videos thanks to platforms like YouTube and Twitch. These spaces offered unprecedented visibility, transforming a niche hobby into a spectacle followed by millions.
Technology and the Modern Community
Technological development has played a crucial role. Video analysis tools and capture software have enabled players to refine their techniques. Glitches—programming errors within the game—have become key elements of many highly optimized strategies.
Today, modern competitions are broadcast live, featuring commentators who explain the techniques being used, making the spectacle accessible even to newcomers. Furthermore, the community is renowned for its welcoming nature and spirit of mutual support, with players gladly sharing their knowledge to help others improve.
What Are the Different Speedrun Categories?
To the uninitiated, speedrunning jargon can seem opaque. However, the discipline is rigorously structured to ensure fairness among players. Every world record is validated within a precise framework, defined by the community into distinct categories.
These divisions make it possible to compare performances on equal footing. Depending on the desired challenge, a player can choose to completely break the game by skipping entire levels, or to scrupulously follow the path intended by the developers.
| Category | Objective | Technical Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| Any% | Reach the end credits as fast as possible, with no restrictions. All bugs are allowed. | Very high (often requires breaking the game with major shortcuts). |
| 100% | Complete the game in its entirety (all items, all quests, all bosses). | High (demands extreme endurance and an optimized route over long hours). |
| Glitchless | Finish the game as fast as possible, but without using any intentional bugs. | Medium to high (relies on pure mastery of gameplay and movement). |
| Low% | Complete the adventure by collecting the bare minimum of items or upgrades required. | Very high (forces the player to tackle late-game challenges with basic equipment). |
How to Choose Your Playstyle
This classification system offers immense flexibility. The Any% category generally remains the most spectacular and popular among viewers, as it often results in visually mind-boggling sequences.
Conversely, the Glitchless format is often favored by purists who prefer mechanical virtuosity over code manipulation. Finally, the 100% and Low% challenges appeal to players with ironclad patience, capable of maintaining perfect concentration over extended gaming sessions.
What Advanced Techniques Are Used in Speedrunning?
Speedrunning is much more than a simple race against the clock. It is a discipline that requires a deep understanding of game mechanics, impressive dexterity, and well-thought-out strategy. Advanced techniques are essential for those looking to stand out and set new world records.
Glitching and Route Planning
One of the most common techniques is "glitching," which involves exploiting bugs to save time. These flaws can allow a player to walk through walls, skip entire sections, or reach otherwise inaccessible areas. However, utilizing glitches requires pinpoint precision: a single mistake can easily ruin a lengthy attempt.
In parallel, "route planning" is a crucial strategy. This means mapping out the most efficient path through the game, taking enemies and resources into account. Such meticulous planning minimizes the time spent on non-essential tasks. Experienced speedrunners spend hours testing different routes to find the one that will save them precious seconds.
Movement Mastery (Tricks)
Mastering title-specific "tricks" rounds out this technical arsenal. These exploits include advanced movement techniques, such as bunny hopping or wall jumping, which allow players to traverse levels much faster. Perfecting these maneuvers requires highly precise motor coordination. The community also plays a central role here, actively sharing these discoveries on specialized forums.
What is Tool-Assisted Speedrunning (TAS)?
Pushing beyond human limitations, the speedrunning scene has also explored the absolute boundaries of games through technology. Tool-assisted speedrunning (TAS) involves configuring a program to play the game instead of a human, achieving feats of performance that would otherwise be impossible.
In practice, a TAS creator uses an emulator to input commands frame by frame. They can slow down time, rewind if they make a mistake, and manipulate the game's RNG (random number generation). The end result is a video of absolute robotic perfection. Far from being considered cheating, TAS has its own dedicated category and often serves as an experimental lab, helping human players discover new frontiers within a game.
What are the most popular games for speedrunning?
Certain titles have become absolute monuments in the speedrunning universe, attracting thousands of fierce competitors who push their limits on a daily basis.
The foundational classics
First and foremost, it is impossible to talk about speedrunning without mentioning Super Mario 64. Originally released in 1996, this game continues to fascinate players with its ingeniously designed levels and endless opportunities for optimization. Speedrunners exploit collision glitches and physics-defying shortcuts. The Super Mario 64 community remains one of the most active and competitive in the world.
At the same time, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has firmly established itself as an undeniable favorite. With its open world and highly permissive physics engine, the game provides the ultimate playground. Players exploit spatial physics mechanics to launch themselves across the map, competing in ingenuity to set increasingly fast records.
The appeal of the indie scene
Another title that has conquered the scene is Celeste. Known for its punishing difficulty, this indie platformer offers a formidable challenge. Speed and precision are essential to navigate its deadly screens. The community surrounding this game is incredibly tight-knit, sharing cutting-edge strategies to optimize every jump angle and dash.
Finally, the critically acclaimed roguelike Hades has also carved out a prominent place in the community. With its dynamic combat and procedurally generated levels, every speedrun attempt is unique. Players must not only be fast but also adapt in real time to the unpredictability of room generation, proving that the discipline also demands incredible tactical improvisation.
How does speedrunning raise millions for charity?
Beyond its purely competitive aspect, speedrunning has evolved into a highly positive social phenomenon. The community's ability to unite during live-streamed marathons has transformed the discipline into a powerful philanthropic engine, something especially visible within the European and French-speaking spheres.
The rise of local initiatives
Long before donation totals began breaking records, local events laid the groundwork for this wave of virtual solidarity. In France, for example, the video game marathon "Bourg-la-Run" raised €30,000 in 2019 for the AFM-Téléthon charity, according to Le Monde. Pioneering initiatives like this demonstrated gamers' willingness to use their shared passion to support major charitable causes.
The Speedons tidal wave
The real tipping point in the French-speaking scene came with the launch of the charity event Speedons. The inaugural "Speedons" marathon in 2021 raised over €614,000 for the NGO Médecins du Monde (Doctors of the World), according to the organization, marking a historic turning point for charitable esports in France.
Since then, public enthusiasm has only continued to grow. It perfectly illustrates the exploding popularity of speedrunning in the francophone world, as well as the loyalty of an audience that is increasingly eager to give back.
Speedrunning FAQ
To summarize the concepts covered in this article, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by newcomers to the discipline.
What exactly is a speedrun?
It is the act of completing a video game as fast as possible. Players (or speedrunners) train relentlessly to optimize their routing, execute flawless movement mechanics, and sometimes exploit unexpected programming flaws to skip entire sections of a level.
What is the difference between a human record and a TAS?
A human record is performed in real-time using a controller or keyboard, relying entirely on the player's own reflexes. Tool-assisted speedrunning (TAS), on the other hand, involves configuring a program to play the game. Inputs are programmed frame by frame, achieving absolute theoretical precision and mechanical feats that are impossible for a human being.
Where can you watch these runs live?
Twitch is the go-to platform. Many players stream their practice sessions there on a daily basis. For large-scale events, annual marathons like Speedons (in France) offer lengthy, fully-commentated broadcasts, which are an ideal and entertaining way to learn the technical jargon in an accessible format.
