Speedrunning has become an integral part of gaming culture, with charity events like Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) and Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ) drawing in massive audiences. But have you ever wondered what happens when speedrunners take on some of the worst games ever made? Welcome to Awful Games Done Quick (AwfulGDQ), the speedrunning event that's all about embracing the chaos and hilarity of terrible games.
Every year, speedrunners gather to play some of the most infamous games in history, from big-name disasters like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and Superman 64 (1999) to cult classics like Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing (2003) and Bubsy 3D (1996). The event is a celebration of all things bad, with runners competing to see who can complete these awful games the fastest – or, in some cases, who can make it the farthest without succumbing to frustration.
The History of Awful Games Done Quick
Awful Games Done Quick was founded in 2015 by a group of speedrunners who wanted to create a event that poked fun at the seriousness of traditional speedrunning marathons. The first AwfulGDQ took place in January 2015, with a lineup of 25 games that were either notoriously bad or just plain weird. The event was a huge success, with over 1,000 viewers tuning in to watch the stream.
Since then, AwfulGDQ has grown in popularity, with each year's event featuring a new lineup of terrible games and a growing community of runners and viewers. The event has also raised thousands of dollars for charity, with proceeds going to organizations like the Prevent Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society.
What Makes a Game "Awful"?
So, what makes a game worthy of inclusion in Awful Games Done Quick? According to the event's organizers, a game has to be "so bad it's good" – meaning that it's either laughably bad, frustratingly difficult, or just plain bizarre.
Games like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, for example, are infamous for their poor design and lack of playtesting. The game was rushed to market to coincide with the release of the popular movie, and it shows – with confusing gameplay, poor graphics, and a general sense of frustration that's still legendary today.
Other games, like Big Rigs: Over the Road Racing, are more cult classics than outright disasters. Big Rigs is a truck racing game that's known for its poor physics engine and hilarious glitches – making it a favorite among speedrunners who enjoy exploiting the game's many bugs.
The Speedrunning Community
Speedrunning is a thriving community that's all about pushing games to their limits – whether that means completing a game as fast as possible, collecting every collectible, or exploiting glitches to achieve impossible feats.
The speedrunning community is built around a shared passion for gaming and a desire to explore the hidden depths of even the most mundane games. Speedrunners use specialized software to record and analyze their gameplay, often finding new routes, exploits, and strategies that can shave seconds or even minutes off their completion times.
The Charity Aspect
Awful Games Done Quick is more than just a celebration of bad games – it's also a charity event. Each year, the event raises thousands of dollars for organizations like the Prevent Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society.
The charity aspect of AwfulGDQ is a key part of its appeal, with runners and viewers alike coming together to support a good cause. The event features donation incentives, where runners will attempt to complete specific challenges or achievements in exchange for donations.
How to Participate in Awful Games Done Quick
If you're interested in participating in Awful Games Done Quick, there are several ways to get involved:
- Run a game: If you have a favorite awful game that you'd like to speedrun, you can submit a run to the event's organizers. Runs are selected based on their entertainment value, so be sure to highlight the game's most frustrating or hilarious moments.
- Donate: Even if you're not a speedrunner, you can still support the event by donating to the charity. Donations can be made during the event, with incentives and rewards for meeting specific donation goals.
- Watch the stream: Awful Games Done Quick is streamed live on platforms like Twitch, where you can watch the event unfold in real-time. The stream features live commentary, interviews with the runners, and a lively chat room where you can participate in the discussion.
Conclusion
Awful Games Done Quick is a unique and entertaining event that celebrates the best of the worst in gaming. With its lighthearted atmosphere, hilarious gameplay, and charity aspect, it's an event that's not to be missed.
Whether you're a seasoned speedrunner or just a fan of bad games, AwfulGDQ has something for everyone. So mark your calendars, grab some popcorn, and get ready to experience the thrill of watching some of the worst games ever made.
Join the discussion: Share your favorite awful games in the comments below, and let us know what you're looking forward to seeing at this year's Awful Games Done Quick.
Share this article: Help spread the word about Awful Games Done Quick by sharing this article on social media.
Donate to the charity: Support the Prevent Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society by donating to the AwfulGDQ charity drive.
What is Awful Games Done Quick?
+Awful Games Done Quick is a speedrunning event that celebrates the best of the worst in gaming. It features a lineup of terrible games, with runners competing to complete them as fast as possible or make it the farthest without succumbing to frustration.
How can I participate in Awful Games Done Quick?
+You can participate in Awful Games Done Quick by running a game, donating to the charity, or watching the stream. If you have a favorite awful game that you'd like to speedrun, you can submit a run to the event's organizers. Donations can be made during the event, with incentives and rewards for meeting specific donation goals.
What charity does Awful Games Done Quick support?
+Awful Games Done Quick supports the Prevent Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society. The event raises thousands of dollars for these organizations each year, with donations made during the event and incentives for meeting specific donation goals.