Speedrunners and fundraisers marathoned games last week as donors, a Humble Bundle, and merchandise helped Awesome Games Done Quick raise $1.5 million.
Annual speedrunning marathon Awesome Games Done Quick raised $1.5 million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation from January 4 – 10 at the Hilton Dulles Airport Hotel. The marathon was broadcast on Twitch and coincided with a themed Humble Bundle of games benefitting charity.
AGDQ set a goal of one million dollars for this year’s event, benefitting the non-profit organization Prevent Cancer Foundation, which aims to bolster research, education, and community outreach for cancer survivors. AGDQ raised $1.5 million from over 38,000 donations in addition to a Humble Bundle and merchandise. Last year the organization raised just over $1 million, doubling its initial goal.
Speedrunners sought to set records for fastest completion of games, but the participants will also sometimes set new challenges. This year Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time speedrunner Runnerguy2489 completed every dungeon with young Link; however, he did so blindfolded. Not only does he have a great memory of the game, Ocarina of Time has helpful sound design.
The games subreddit has a highlights list for this year’s event, so if you missed the livestream, be sure to check out videos of Tetris: The Grand Master exhibition and more.
