The Speedrunning Community Is Huge (And Growing)
Speedrunning isn’t just a quirky hobby; it’s a global phenomenon with a passionate fanbase. The community is so big that it has its own hub, Speedrun.com, where you can find leaderboards, guides, and forums for thousands of games, from retro classics like Super Mario Bros. to modern hits like Elden Ring. This site is a testament to the sheer scale of the speedrunning world, showcasing how streamers and players compete for the fastest times across countless titles. Speedrun.com isn’t just a leaderboard; it’s a place where fans flock to watch top runs, discover new runners, and get inspired to try it themselves. That translates to viewership. When you speedrun, you’re tapping into an audience that’s already hooked on this style of play.
And then there are the events. Massive charity marathons like Games Done Quick (GDQ) draw thousands of live viewers and raise millions for causes like Doctors Without Borders and the Prevent Cancer Foundation. GDQ events, held semi-annually (Awesome Games Done Quick in winter and Summer Games Done Quick), feature top speedrunners showcasing mind-blowing skills. These streams regularly pull in tens of thousands of concurrent viewers on Twitch, with VODs racking up millions of views on YouTube. Even smaller regional events or game-specific marathons have dedicated followings. When you speedrun, you’re not just streaming; you’re part of a cultural juggernaut that fans can’t get enough of.
Why Speedrunning Is So Fun
Speedrunning is a blast because it lets you pick a game you love and make it your own. Whether you’re obsessed with The Legend of Zelda, Super Metroid, or even an obscure gem like Dragon Warrior, there’s a speedrunning community for it. You don’t need to be a pro gamer or have fancy equipment. All it takes is passion for a game and a willingness to learn. The thrill comes from shaving seconds off your time, mastering tricky glitches, and discovering new ways to break the game wide open. Every run feels like a puzzle you’re solving live, and that energy is infectious for viewers.
Speaking of viewers, they love seeing games pushed to their limits. Speedrunning isn’t just about finishing a game fast; it’s about exploiting every mechanic, glitch, and trick to achieve the impossible. Fans are mesmerized by runners who can clip through walls, skip entire levels, or execute frame-perfect inputs. It’s like watching a magician reveal the secrets of their craft, except the magic is all skill and creativity. When you stream a speedrun, you’re not just playing a game; you’re putting on a show that highlights your dedication and personality.
Categories Keep It Fresh
One of the coolest things about speedrunning is the variety of categories. Most games have multiple ways to run them, so you can pick a style that suits you. The most common is Any%, where the goal is to finish the game as fast as possible, using any means necessary (glitches, skips, you name it). Then there’s 100%, where you complete every objective, collect every item, or unlock every ending. Want a challenge? Try Pacifist%, where you avoid killing enemies, or other creative categories like Low% (using minimal resources). These options keep speedrunning fresh for both runners and viewers, giving you endless content to explore.
The Community Welcomes Everyone
If you’re worried about jumping into speedrunning, don’t be. The community is one of the friendliest in gaming. Speedrunners are known for being open, helpful, and eager to share knowledge. Whether you’re a beginner asking for tips or a veteran sharing a new glitch, you’ll find people ready to cheer you on. Discord servers, Reddit threads, and Speedrun.com forums are filled with runners offering advice, from optimizing routes to nailing tricky skips. This supportive vibe makes speedrunning accessible to anyone with a game and a dream.
Real Examples of Speedrunning Success
To see speedrunning in action, check out these incredible runs by Twitch streamers who’ve mastered their craft:
- Zoasty – Super Metroid Any% (40:38 PB)
Zoasty’s run of Super Metroid is a masterclass in precision and game knowledge. Clocking in at just over 40 minutes, this Any% run shows off wild tricks like wall-jumping and bomb-jumping to skip huge chunks of the game. Watch it here:
- Rei Wolf – Zelda: Ocarina of Time Any% (3:52)
Rei Wolf’s blistering 3-minute-52-second run of Ocarina of Time is a jaw-dropping display of glitches and speed. This Any% run skips almost the entire game, turning a 20-hour adventure into a sprint. It’s a perfect example of how speedrunners break games in ways that captivate viewers. Check it out:
- NEScardinality – Dragon Warrior Any% (27:19 at AGDQ)
NEScardinality’s Dragon Warrior run at Awesome Games Done Quick is a love letter to retro RPG speedrunning. In just 27 minutes, they blaze through a game that normally takes hours, using clever RNG manipulation and precise inputs. The GDQ crowd’s energy adds to the hype. Watch it here:
How to Get Started
Getting into speedrunning is easier than you think. Pick a game you’re passionate about; it could be something you grew up with or a title you’ve sunk hours into. Check Speedrun.com for leaderboards and guides to see what categories exist and what strategies top runners use. Join the game’s Discord or forum to connect with other runners and ask questions. Then, just start running. Your first attempts might be slow, but that’s okay. Every run teaches you something new, and your viewers will love watching your progress.
Why It Boosts Viewership
Speedrunning draws viewers because it’s exciting, skillful, and unique. Fans love the high stakes of a personal best (PB) attempt, the drama of a close call, and the creativity of new strategies. Plus, speedrunning content has longevity. Clips of insane runs or funny fails can go viral on X or Reddit, pulling in new followers. And with events like GDQ, you might even get a chance to showcase your skills to a massive audience. The combination of community support, thrilling gameplay, and endless replayability makes speedrunning a goldmine for streamers.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a game you love, join the speedrunning community, and start running. Your next PB could be the moment your channel blows up.
