Inside the Rise of Speedrunning: How a Gaming Subculture Became a Global Phenomenon

By Elizabeth FosterLast Updated September 8, 2025

Photo by Anton Shuvalov on Unsplash

Introduction: The Emergence of Speedrunning

Speedrunning has transformed from a hobby enjoyed by a handful of dedicated players into a vibrant global subculture. At its core, speedrunning is the art of completing a video game as quickly as possible, often using creative strategies, deep game knowledge, and even exploiting glitches. This pursuit has given rise to a passionate community, international competitions, and a thriving online ecosystem. Here, we delve into the origins, culture, and impact of speedrunning-and provide practical guidance for those looking to get involved.

The Foundations of Speedrunning

The roots of speedrunning stretch back to the earliest days of gaming. In the 1980s and 1990s, gamers challenged themselves to beat titles like
Super Mario Bros.
and
Doom
faster than anyone else. However, it wasn’t until the advent of the internet that speedrunning took on a communal dimension. Players began recording their playthroughs on VHS tapes, then with emulator tools, and shared their fastest completions in online forums. This collaborative spirit fueled the first wave of organized speedrunning communities, allowing players to compare notes, optimize strategies, and compete for the fastest times [1] .

One of the earliest and most influential games in this movement was
Doom
(1993), which allowed players to record and share
demos
-small replay files that could be easily uploaded and downloaded. This innovation led to the creation of specialized FTP servers and websites dedicated to compiling and ranking these runs. Notably, the “LMP Hall of Fame” and the COMPET-N leaderboard were early examples of structured speedrunning communities [3] .

Key Milestones and Community Development

The release of
Quake
in 1996 marked another significant leap. With built-in support for demo recording and advanced movement mechanics,
Quake
attracted a dedicated speedrunning audience. In 1997, the creation of the Nightmare Speed Demos website and the release of “Quake Done Quick”-a full-game speedrun compiled from individual level records-helped introduce the concept to a wider audience and set new standards for collaboration and innovation [3] . Communities soon rallied around other classic titles, including
The Legend of Zelda
and
Metroid
, establishing a culture of discovery and experimentation.

Online platforms such as Speed Demos Archive and, later, Speedrun.com provided centralized leaderboards, verification systems, and permanent homes for speedrunning achievements. These sites enabled broader participation, encouraging both veteran and new players to attempt breaking records and share their techniques [1] .

The Speedrunning Subculture: Characteristics and Growth

Speedrunning is more than a test of reflexes; it is a culture defined by nostalgia , obsession , and the thrill of global recognition . Players often revisit beloved games from their childhood or explore obscure titles, seeking to master every nuance and uncover hidden tricks. Collaboration is central-runners share strategies, document glitches, and help each other optimize routes. This sense of community, combined with the excitement of international competition, fuels the scene’s ongoing growth [1] .

Charity events like Games Done Quick (GDQ), launched in 2010, have elevated speedrunning to mainstream visibility and demonstrated its positive social impact. GDQ marathons feature live speedruns of classic and modern games, broadcast to massive online audiences and raising millions for charitable causes. These events provide a welcoming entry point for newcomers, offering a mix of entertainment, education, and philanthropy [3] .

Getting Involved: How to Start Speedrunning

If you’re interested in joining the speedrunning community, there are several pathways to get started:

Choose Your Game: Begin with a game you enjoy and know well-classics like
Super Mario Bros.
,
Doom
, or more recent releases are all valid choices. Most speedrunners start with a game they love, which keeps the learning process fun and engaging.
Study Existing Runs: Watch established speedruns on platforms like YouTube or Twitch. Pay attention to routing, movement techniques, and commentary from experienced runners. Many runs include detailed explanations and breakdowns of key strategies.
Join the Community: Engage with fellow runners via forums, Discord servers, and event chats. Communities often host guides, Q&A sessions, and practice races. While websites like Speedrun.com provide verified leaderboards and community hubs, always verify the current accessibility and reputation of any resource before joining or submitting times.
Record and Share Your Runs: Use screen-capture tools or built-in game features to record your playthroughs. Begin by timing yourself, then upload your results to community boards or share them on social media for feedback.
Participate in Events: Consider submitting a run to online marathons or charity events. Even if your times aren’t world-class, many events value creativity, commentary, and entertainment as much as speed.

Note: Before joining any platform or event, check the authenticity of the website or organization. For leaderboards and community hubs, search for “Speedrun.com” or “Speed Demos Archive” and verify the URLs in your browser. For charity marathons, look up “Games Done Quick” and ensure you are on the official event page.

Challenges and Solutions in Speedrunning

While speedrunning offers many rewards, it also presents challenges. Achieving top times may require hundreds of hours of practice, learning complex routes, and sometimes dealing with frustration. Technical hurdles-such as recording runs, setting up emulators, or verifying times-can also be daunting for beginners.

To overcome these obstacles, start with smaller goals: aim to beat your personal best, then gradually incorporate more advanced techniques. Many communities offer mentorship programs or beginner-friendly competitions, providing guidance and encouragement. If technology presents a barrier, seek out tutorial videos or ask for advice in community forums. Remember, the majority of runners value participation and improvement over perfection.

Alternative Approaches and Expanding the Experience

Speedrunning isn’t limited to setting world records. Many players focus on creative challenges, such as playing with unusual restrictions (“no damage runs”), achieving 100% completion, or discovering new glitches. These alternative run categories foster innovation and keep the scene fresh. Some communities also organize “relay races” or team-based events, encouraging collaboration and friendly rivalry.

For those who prefer spectating, watching live speedruns can be highly entertaining and educational. Many runners explain their strategies in real-time, making streams accessible even to newcomers. You can find these streams by searching for “speedrunning” on platforms like Twitch or YouTube.

Accessing Resources and Opportunities

To access speedrunning resources or participate in events, consider the following guidance:

Search for “Speedrun.com” to find verified leaderboards, tutorials, and active communities.
For historical context and community history, look up articles such as “Speedrunning culture: nostalgia, obsession, and global competition” from established review sites [1] .
To watch live or archived speedruns, search for “Games Done Quick” or explore the “Speedrunning” category on streaming platforms. Always check the authenticity of any event or donation page before participating.
If you want to contribute to charity through speedrunning, review official event guidelines and submission instructions. For example, GDQ events publish detailed FAQs and volunteer sign-up processes on their official pages.
For technical help, many communities offer Discord channels or dedicated forums. Search for the game’s name combined with “speedrunning Discord” for potential entry points.

If direct links are unavailable or uncertain, use reputable search engines to look up the organization or event name. Cross-check information with multiple sources to ensure legitimacy.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Speedrunning

Speedrunning has grown from a niche hobby into a thriving, inclusive subculture that bridges generations of gamers. Its blend of nostalgia, competition, and community spirit continues to inspire new participants and entertain millions worldwide. Whether you aim to break records, discover hidden strategies, or simply enjoy the thrill of the chase, speedrunning provides a wealth of opportunities to connect, create, and compete. Take your first steps by exploring the resources and communities outlined above, and you may find yourself at the heart of one of gaming’s most dynamic and welcoming movements.