Speedrunning and breaking games, the practices of completing games as fast as possible or in unintended ways, have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. Here’s an in-depth look at why these gaming subcultures have gone mainstream.
The Rise of Video Game Streaming
The rise of video game streaming on platforms like Twitch and YouTube has shined a spotlight on speedrunning and game-breaking.
More Exposure for Niche Gaming Communities
Streaming allows speedrunners and game-breakers to broadcast their skills to wide audiences of tens or hundreds of thousands of viewers. This exposure helps grow awareness and interest in these niche gaming communities.
Viewer Engagement Drives Popularity
Watching skilled gamers complete games at blinding speeds or in weird and wacky ways is exciting and entertaining for viewers. The engagement and reactions from stream audiences fuels the popularity of speedrunning and game-breaking streams.
Top Streamers Bring New Eyeballs
When popular streamers like xQc and MoistCr1TiKaL have streamed speedrun attempts of classic games like Super Mario 64, it introduces their legions of fans to speedrunning.
Prominent Speedrunning Events
Several major speedrunning events have developed over the years, further increasing the visibility of speedrunning.
Games Done Quick
The Games Done Quick charity speedrunning marathon is held twice a year and attracts millions of viewers on Twitch. The event raises money for charity while showcasing top speedrunners.
SpeedrunnerVS
SpeedrunnerVS pits two top speedrunners against each other in a head-to-head race to complete classic games. It’s an exciting competition format that engages both speedrunning fans and casual viewers.
Summer Games Done Quick 2022 Stats:
- 2,300+ donors raised $3.4 million for charity
- Peak viewership hit over 300,000 viewers
- Over 3,400 speedrun attempts across more than 850 games
Speedrunning and Game-Breaking as E-Sports
Competitive gaming tournaments and leagues around speedrunning and game-breaking also indicate the trend towards mainstream popularity.
Games Done Quick X and Frame Fatales
Games Done Quick X and Frame Fatales are invite-only speedrunning tournaments featuring top runners competing for prize money and prestige.
DreamHack Speedrunning Tournaments
DreamHack gaming festivals have included competitive speedrunning tournaments for games like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Portal.
Huge Viewership Potential
If speedrunning or game-breaking tournaments become regular fixtures of major e-sports broadcasts, it could bring in vast new audiences from the mainstream competitive gaming scene.
Conclusion
In summary, the emergence of video game streaming, high-profile speedrunning events, and recognition as competitive gaming has led speedrunning and game-breaking from obscure niches to wildly popular mainstream entertainment. The skilled techniques, high stakes competition, and pure entertainment value make them compelling viewing for gamers and non-gamers alike. With their surging popularity today, speedrunning and game-breaking are on track to become staples in gaming culture going forward.
