Speedrunning
Bubble
Skill
Speedrunning is a vibrant community where gamers compete to finish video games as quickly as possible, using deep game knowledge, advan...Show more
Speedrunning
Bubble
Skill
Speedrunning is a vibrant community where gamers compete to finish video games as quickly as possible, using deep game knowledge, advanced techniques, and community-accepted rules. Members exchange routing strategies, track records, and celebrate breakthroughs in a tightly knit, highly specialized subculture.
Statistics
Estimated Global Reach
300K
Popularity
Medium
Regional Hotspot
Worldwide
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General Q&A
Speedrunning is all about completing video games as fast as possible, using expert techniques, route planning, and sometimes exploiting glitches to achieve the lowest possible times.
Community Q&A
Speedrunning is all about completing video games as fast as possible, using expert techniques, route planning, and sometimes exploiting glitches to achieve the lowest possible times.
They connect through platforms like Speedrun.com and Twitch, sharing live runs, guides, and discussions in forums and Discord servers.
Community Q&A
Summary
Key Findings
Record Worship
Identity MarkersSpeedrunners revere world records as near-sacred achievements, often debating minutiae of milliseconds and frame timing to validate WR legitimacy, which shapes community respect and status.
Category Gatekeeping
Gatekeeping PracticesDefining strict category boundaries (like glitchless vs any%) acts as a powerful social control, where insiders fiercely defend rules to preserve fairness and preserve the bubble’s specialized diversity.
Tech Rituals
Communication PatternsRunners engage in ritualistic jargon and split tracking, with terms like PB, RNG, and frame-perfect serving both technical and social functions to signal expertise and shared dedication.
Event Cohesion
Community DynamicsCommunity events like Games Done Quick create temporary unity, blending competition with charity and celebration, though underlying tensions around run legitimacy remain simmering.
Sub Groups
Game-specific Speedrunning Communities
Groups focused on speedrunning a particular game or series, often with their own Discord servers and forums.
Glitch Hunters
Sub-community dedicated to discovering and documenting glitches and exploits for use in speedruns.
Marathon Organizers & Participants
Members who organize, volunteer, or participate in large-scale speedrunning events like Games Done Quick.
Route Planners & Theorycrafters
Enthusiasts who develop, optimize, and share new speedrun routes and strategies.
Statistics and Demographics
Platform Distribution
1 / 3
Twitch
35%Twitch is the primary platform for live speedrunning, with real-time chat, community interaction, and major speedrunning events streamed to large audiences.
Discord
20%Discord hosts many specialized speedrunning servers for individual games and communities, facilitating in-depth discussion, collaboration, and coordination.
Convention Centers
15%Major offline speedrunning events like Games Done Quick are held in convention centers, bringing the community together for live marathons and networking.
Event Settingsoffline
Gender & Age Distribution
Ideological & Social Divides
Community Development
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Insider Knowledge
Terminology
Inside Jokes
"I think the RNG gods hate me today."
RNG can significantly impact run outcomes; blaming 'RNG gods' humorously externalizes frustration over bad luck during a run.
"Just frame it!"
A lighthearted jab at the precision required for frame-perfect inputs, often said jokingly when a runner narrowly misses a frame window.
Facts & Sayings
„PB“
Short for 'Personal Best,' it refers to a runner's fastest time completing a game or category; achieving a new PB is a major personal milestone.
„WR“
Abbreviation for 'World Record,' indicating the fastest known completion time globally for a specific game and category.
„RNG“
Stands for 'Random Number Generation,' referring to random elements in games that can affect speedruns; runners often strategize to manipulate or adapt to RNG.
„Glitchless“
A category of speedruns where players are not allowed to use game glitches or exploits, highlighting skill and route optimization without unintended shortcuts.
„Frame-perfect“
Describes inputs or actions that must be executed precisely on a single frame (1/60th of a second) to be successful, emphasizing the technical skill needed.
Unwritten Rules
Always verify your runs with the community leaderboard guidelines.
Submitting runs without following format or verification rules risks disqualification and community distrust.
Be respectful during live runs, avoid distracting the runner.
Concentration is crucial for frame-perfect inputs; disruptions can ruin attempts and frustrate runners.
Credit discoveries of routes or glitches when you use them.
Acknowledging others’ contributions fosters a collaborative and ethical community atmosphere.
Don't accuse others of cheating without solid evidence.
False accusations damage reputations and community trust; issues are handled carefully by moderators and judges.
Fictional Portraits
1 / 3
Ethan, 22
Esports AthletemaleEthan is a competitive speedrunner specializing in platformers who streams his runs professionally and participates in tournaments.
PrecisionPerseveranceCommunity recognition
Motivations
- Achieving world record times
- Building a reputation in the community
- Pushing the limits of game mechanics
Challenges
- Balancing practice time with rest
- Dealing with frustrating game glitches or RNG
- Maintaining mental focus during long attempts
Platforms
Twitch chatSpeedrunning Discord serversReddit r/speedrun
RNGWR (world record)GlitchlessAny%Segmented run
Insights & Background
Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
Concepts
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Concepts
First Steps & Resources
Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 2-4 weeks
1
Watch Popular Speedruns
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: View top speedruns of games you enjoy to understand techniques, terminology, and community culture.
Details: Begin by immersing yourself in the speedrunning world through watching recorded or live speedruns of games you already know or love. This helps you grasp the unique language, strategies, and excitement that define the community. Pay attention to the commentary, which often explains glitches, routing choices, and the logic behind certain moves. Take notes on terminology and techniques that are unfamiliar. Common challenges include feeling overwhelmed by the speed or complexity—pause, rewind, and rewatch sections to break down what's happening. This step is crucial for understanding what makes a run successful and for identifying which games or categories might interest you. Evaluate your progress by your ability to follow a run's logic and recognize basic strategies. This foundational exposure will make later steps much more approachable.
2
Join Speedrunning Communities
1-2 daysBasic
Summary: Register on forums or Discords to connect, ask questions, and observe discussions about runs and strategies.
Details: Engage with established speedrunning communities by joining forums, Discord servers, or subreddit groups dedicated to speedrunning or specific games. Introduce yourself, read pinned guides, and observe how members share knowledge, organize races, and troubleshoot issues. Don't hesitate to ask beginner questions—most communities have channels or threads for newcomers. A common challenge is feeling intimidated by the expertise of others; remember, everyone started as a beginner. Lurking and reading before posting can help you acclimate to the culture and etiquette. This step is vital for accessing resources, finding mentors, and staying updated on new strategies or events. Progress is measured by your comfort in participating in discussions and your ability to find answers to your questions within the community.
3
Select a Game and Category
1-2 daysBasic
Summary: Pick a game you enjoy and a speedrun category (e.g., Any%, 100%) to focus your learning and practice.
Details: Choose a game you are passionate about—ideally one you have already completed and enjoy replaying. Research the different speedrun categories available (such as Any%, 100%, or glitchless) and select one that matches your interest and skill level. Use leaderboards and community guides to understand category rules and typical strategies. Beginners often struggle with picking a game that's too difficult or obscure; start with something familiar and well-documented. This step is important because focused practice is far more effective than jumping between games. Evaluate your progress by your ability to articulate the category rules and basic route, and by your readiness to attempt a full run, even if slowly.
1
Watch Popular Speedruns
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: View top speedruns of games you enjoy to understand techniques, terminology, and community culture.
Details: Begin by immersing yourself in the speedrunning world through watching recorded or live speedruns of games you already know or love. This helps you grasp the unique language, strategies, and excitement that define the community. Pay attention to the commentary, which often explains glitches, routing choices, and the logic behind certain moves. Take notes on terminology and techniques that are unfamiliar. Common challenges include feeling overwhelmed by the speed or complexity—pause, rewind, and rewatch sections to break down what's happening. This step is crucial for understanding what makes a run successful and for identifying which games or categories might interest you. Evaluate your progress by your ability to follow a run's logic and recognize basic strategies. This foundational exposure will make later steps much more approachable.
2
Join Speedrunning Communities
1-2 daysBasic
Summary: Register on forums or Discords to connect, ask questions, and observe discussions about runs and strategies.
Details: Engage with established speedrunning communities by joining forums, Discord servers, or subreddit groups dedicated to speedrunning or specific games. Introduce yourself, read pinned guides, and observe how members share knowledge, organize races, and troubleshoot issues. Don't hesitate to ask beginner questions—most communities have channels or threads for newcomers. A common challenge is feeling intimidated by the expertise of others; remember, everyone started as a beginner. Lurking and reading before posting can help you acclimate to the culture and etiquette. This step is vital for accessing resources, finding mentors, and staying updated on new strategies or events. Progress is measured by your comfort in participating in discussions and your ability to find answers to your questions within the community.
3
Select a Game and Category
1-2 daysBasic
Summary: Pick a game you enjoy and a speedrun category (e.g., Any%, 100%) to focus your learning and practice.
Details: Choose a game you are passionate about—ideally one you have already completed and enjoy replaying. Research the different speedrun categories available (such as Any%, 100%, or glitchless) and select one that matches your interest and skill level. Use leaderboards and community guides to understand category rules and typical strategies. Beginners often struggle with picking a game that's too difficult or obscure; start with something familiar and well-documented. This step is important because focused practice is far more effective than jumping between games. Evaluate your progress by your ability to articulate the category rules and basic route, and by your readiness to attempt a full run, even if slowly.
4
Learn Basic Speedrun Techniques
1 weekIntermediate
Summary: Study and practice core tricks, glitches, and movement optimizations used in your chosen game and category.
Details: Dive into tutorials, guides, and community resources that break down the essential techniques for your selected game and category. Start with basic movement optimizations and simple glitches before attempting advanced tricks. Use practice modes or save states (if available) to drill difficult sections repeatedly. Beginners often get discouraged by the precision required; focus on mastering one technique at a time and celebrate small improvements. Recording your practice sessions can help identify mistakes and track progress. This step is crucial for building the muscle memory and game knowledge needed for successful runs. Progress is measured by your consistency in executing basic tricks and your ability to complete sections of the game faster than before.
5
Attempt and Record Your First Run
2-3 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Do a full run using learned techniques, record your gameplay, and review or share it for feedback.
Details: Set up basic recording software to capture your gameplay (many free options exist). Attempt a full speedrun in your chosen category, applying the techniques you've practiced. Don’t worry about mistakes or slow times—focus on finishing and identifying areas for improvement. Afterward, watch your recording to spot errors and inefficiencies. Optionally, share your run with the community for constructive feedback. Beginners often feel self-conscious about their performance; remember, every top runner started with slow, imperfect runs. This step is essential for transitioning from theory to practice and for starting your personal improvement journey. Progress is measured by completing a full run, identifying time losses, and receiving feedback from others.
Welcoming Practices
„Posting an introductory message on community forums or Discord channels with your current PB and favorite game.“
This allows newcomers to be recognized, encourages advice sharing, and integrates them into the social fabric of the bubble.
Beginner Mistakes
Ignoring category rules when submitting a run.
Carefully read and follow the rules of the category you want to compete in to avoid automatic rejection.
Not recording or properly timing runs according to community standards.
Use approved tools and methods to capture runs so that they can be verified and accepted.
Pathway to Credibility
Tap a pathway step to view details
Achieve consistent PB improvements and share them publicly.
Demonstrates dedication and progress, gaining attention and respect from peers.
Contribute to community knowledge by discovering new routes or glitches.
Innovations advance the whole bubble's understanding, marking someone as an expert.
Participate in official speedrunning events and leaderboards.
Active involvement at recognized platforms establishes legitimacy and builds reputation.
Facts
Regional Differences
North America
North American speedrunning communities often participate heavily in major events like Games Done Quick and have large Twitch followings.
Europe
European runners sometimes favor different games popular in their regions and focus more on community forums and localized events.
Asia
In Asia, speedrunning has been growing rapidly with a unique culture blending local gaming trends and technical experimentation.
Misconceptions
Misconception #1
Speedrunning is just cheating by exploiting glitches.
Reality
While glitches are sometimes used, many categories forbid glitches and the activity requires exceptional skill, knowledge, and practice.
Misconception #2
Speedrunners don't really play the game, they just mash buttons.
Reality
Speedrunning demands deep understanding of game mechanics, precise timing, strategic planning, and sometimes real-time problem solving.
Misconception #3
If a speedrun is shown in a livestream, it must be fake or edited.
Reality
Most runs are done live and verified through community-run leaderboards and verification processes to ensure legitimacy.
Clothing & Styles
Gaming Jerseys
Some runners wear customized jerseys during live events like Games Done Quick to represent their team or personal brand, signaling community membership and professionalism.
