Speedrunning Tool Development
Bubble
Skill
Speedrunning Tool Development is a collaborative community of programmers and tech enthusiasts dedicated to building and refining softw...Show more
Speedrunning Tool Development
Bubble
Skill
Speedrunning Tool Development is a collaborative community of programmers and tech enthusiasts dedicated to building and refining software and hardware tools that assist speedrunners in optimizing game runs, tracking times, and automating tasks.
Statistics
Estimated Global Reach
15K
Popularity
Low
Regional Hotspot
Worldwide
General Q&A
Speedrunning tool development focuses on creating and refining software and hardware that help speedrunners measure, automate, and optimize their gameplay for record attempts.
Community Q&A
Speedrunning tool development focuses on creating and refining software and hardware that help speedrunners measure, automate, and optimize their gameplay for record attempts.
People connect through platforms like Discord, GitHub, and niche forums, sharing code, providing feedback, and organizing group projects or hackathons.
Community Q&A
Summary
Key Findings
Tooler Identity
Identity MarkersMembers proudly identify as 'toolers' or 'devs', valuing their role as unsung architects behind speedrunning accuracy, distinct from runners despite deep shared passion.
Open-source Debates
Social NormsThe community fiercely debates licensing and attribution norms, balancing open collaboration with protecting individual contributions in a continuously evolving software ecosystem.
Precision Obsession
Insider PerspectiveAn insider norm is obsession over microscopic timing accuracy and bug nuances in game logic, which outsiders overlook, seeing tools as simple timers rather than complex precision instruments.
Cross-game Collaboration
Community DynamicsDevelopers prioritize creating cross-game auto-splitter frameworks and shared APIs, fostering a collaborative ethos that transcends individual games or genres, unusual among gaming subcultures.
Sub Groups
Timer Tool Developers
Focused on creating and refining timing software and hardware for speedrunners.
Automation & Script Creators
Specialize in developing scripts and bots to automate repetitive speedrunning tasks.
Hardware Modders
Work on physical devices and modifications to assist with speedrunning inputs and tracking.
Open Source Collaborators
Groups dedicated to maintaining and improving open-source speedrunning tools.
Statistics and Demographics
Platform Distribution
1 / 2
Discord
35%Discord hosts highly active, technical servers dedicated to speedrunning tool development, enabling real-time collaboration, code sharing, and community support.
GitHub
25%GitHub is the primary platform for collaborative software development, code repositories, and open-source tool sharing within this technical community.
Reddit
15%Reddit features specialized subreddits where developers discuss tool creation, share updates, and troubleshoot issues related to speedrunning tools.
Gender & Age Distribution
Ideological & Social Divides
Community Development
Discover Similar Bubbles
Insider Knowledge
Terminology
Greeting Salutations
Example Conversation
Insider
Ready to split?
Outsider
Wait, what do you mean by 'split' here?
Insider
In speedrunning tools, 'split' means marking checkpoints during the run for timing purposes.
Outsider
Ah, got it—like splitting a race into timed segments!
Cultural Context
This greeting references the core function of timing segments during speedruns, signaling shared technical focus.
Inside Jokes
"Remember to not trust the RNG"
A humorous nod to the randomness in games that can affect timing tools unpredictably, highlighting the shared frustration of developers.
"Did you gut that cycle yet?"
Refers to painstakingly optimizing or bypassing a slow or buggy game logic cycle, a common technical hurdle in tool development.
Facts & Sayings
„That split latency though“
This phrase comments on the delay between a game event triggering and the timing tool recognizing it, highlighting the deep focus on precision in these tools.
„Auto-splitter or bust“
Often exclaimed when discussing the indispensability of auto-splitters in achieving competitive speedrunning by automating timing to reduce human error.
„Memory-watch magic“
A playful way of referring to manipulating and reading live game memory addresses to trigger splits accurately.
„Push those cycles“
Refers to optimizing or exploiting particular CPU game logic cycles to improve timing accuracy or tool efficiency.
Unwritten Rules
Always document your auto-splitter code thoroughly.
Ensures others can understand, maintain, and improve the tool, fostering open collaboration.
Test on multiple game versions and platforms before releasing tools.
Because even minor game version differences can break timing accuracy, crucial for credibility.
Credit all contributors clearly in repositories and releases.
Promotes community respect and acknowledges shared effort in open-source development.
Avoid 'magic numbers' in code without explanation.
Helps maintain transparency and easier troubleshooting, since timing relies on precise values from game memory.
Fictional Portraits
1 / 3
Liam, 28
Software EngineermaleLiam is a dedicated developer who contributes open-source code to speedrunning tool projects, driven by his passion for coding and gaming.
Community collaborationClean codeInnovation
Motivations
- Improving tool efficiency and reliability
- Helping the speedrunning community achieve better performance
- Gaining recognition among peers for innovative contributions
Challenges
- Balancing full-time job with open-source contributions
- Keeping up with diverse game engine architectures
- Ensuring tools are user-friendly for all skill levels
Platforms
GitHub issues and pull requestsDiscord servers specialized in speedrunning tools
auto-splittermemory readingframe perfectin-game timer
Insights & Background
Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
Works
1 / 3
1 / 3
Works
First Steps & Resources
Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 3-5 weeks
1
Research Speedrunning Tools
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Explore existing speedrunning tools, their purposes, and how they're used in the community.
Details: Begin by immersing yourself in the landscape of speedrunning tools. This means reading documentation, watching demonstration videos, and browsing community forums to understand what tools exist (like timers, auto-splitters, or input recorders), what problems they solve, and how speedrunners use them. Pay attention to open-source projects and their repositories to see how they're structured. Common challenges include feeling overwhelmed by the variety of tools or not knowing where to start; focus on one or two popular tools and trace their evolution. This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding the needs of the community and identifying gaps you might help fill. Evaluate your progress by being able to explain the function and value of at least three major tools to someone else.
2
Join Developer Discussions
1-2 daysBasic
Summary: Participate in online forums or chat groups where tool developers collaborate and share updates.
Details: Engage directly with the community by joining online spaces where speedrunning tool developers gather. These might be dedicated chat servers, developer channels, or forum threads. Start by reading ongoing discussions, then introduce yourself and ask thoughtful questions about current projects or challenges. Avoid jumping in with unsolicited suggestions; instead, listen and learn the norms. Common beginner mistakes include being too passive or, conversely, proposing ideas without context. This step is vital for building relationships, understanding collaborative workflows, and learning about active projects. Progress is measured by your comfort in following discussions and your ability to identify key contributors and ongoing initiatives.
3
Set Up Development Environment
1-2 daysIntermediate
Summary: Install required programming tools, libraries, and emulators commonly used in speedrunning tool projects.
Details: Prepare your computer for hands-on development by installing the programming languages (often Python, C#, or C++), libraries, and emulators most commonly used in speedrunning tool projects. Follow setup guides from open-source repositories, ensuring you can compile and run example projects. Beginners often struggle with dependency management or emulator configuration; take your time with documentation and don't hesitate to ask for help in community spaces. This step is essential for moving from theory to practice, as it enables you to experiment with code and contribute to projects. You’ll know you’ve succeeded when you can build and run a basic tool or script from an existing project without errors.
1
Research Speedrunning Tools
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Explore existing speedrunning tools, their purposes, and how they're used in the community.
Details: Begin by immersing yourself in the landscape of speedrunning tools. This means reading documentation, watching demonstration videos, and browsing community forums to understand what tools exist (like timers, auto-splitters, or input recorders), what problems they solve, and how speedrunners use them. Pay attention to open-source projects and their repositories to see how they're structured. Common challenges include feeling overwhelmed by the variety of tools or not knowing where to start; focus on one or two popular tools and trace their evolution. This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding the needs of the community and identifying gaps you might help fill. Evaluate your progress by being able to explain the function and value of at least three major tools to someone else.
2
Join Developer Discussions
1-2 daysBasic
Summary: Participate in online forums or chat groups where tool developers collaborate and share updates.
Details: Engage directly with the community by joining online spaces where speedrunning tool developers gather. These might be dedicated chat servers, developer channels, or forum threads. Start by reading ongoing discussions, then introduce yourself and ask thoughtful questions about current projects or challenges. Avoid jumping in with unsolicited suggestions; instead, listen and learn the norms. Common beginner mistakes include being too passive or, conversely, proposing ideas without context. This step is vital for building relationships, understanding collaborative workflows, and learning about active projects. Progress is measured by your comfort in following discussions and your ability to identify key contributors and ongoing initiatives.
3
Set Up Development Environment
1-2 daysIntermediate
Summary: Install required programming tools, libraries, and emulators commonly used in speedrunning tool projects.
Details: Prepare your computer for hands-on development by installing the programming languages (often Python, C#, or C++), libraries, and emulators most commonly used in speedrunning tool projects. Follow setup guides from open-source repositories, ensuring you can compile and run example projects. Beginners often struggle with dependency management or emulator configuration; take your time with documentation and don't hesitate to ask for help in community spaces. This step is essential for moving from theory to practice, as it enables you to experiment with code and contribute to projects. You’ll know you’ve succeeded when you can build and run a basic tool or script from an existing project without errors.
4
Contribute to Open Source Projects
2-5 daysIntermediate
Summary: Make small contributions to existing speedrunning tool repositories, such as fixing bugs or improving documentation.
Details: Start contributing to open-source speedrunning tool projects by tackling beginner-friendly issues. Begin with non-code contributions like improving documentation or fixing typos, then progress to small bug fixes or feature requests. Read contribution guidelines carefully and communicate respectfully with maintainers. A common challenge is feeling intimidated by established codebases; overcome this by focusing on well-labeled 'good first issue' tickets and asking clarifying questions. This step is crucial for gaining practical experience, building credibility, and learning collaborative development workflows. Evaluate your progress by successfully submitting a pull request and receiving feedback from maintainers.
5
Build a Simple Custom Tool
1-2 weeksAdvanced
Summary: Design and code a basic tool (e.g., timer, input display) for a speedrunning use case, sharing it for feedback.
Details: Apply your knowledge by creating a simple tool that addresses a real speedrunning need—such as a basic timer, input display, or log parser. Start by identifying a small, well-defined problem (possibly from community suggestions), then design, code, and test your solution. Document your process and share your tool with the community for feedback. Beginners often try to build overly complex tools; keep your scope narrow and focus on usability. This step is important for developing practical skills, demonstrating initiative, and receiving constructive feedback. Success is measured by completing a working prototype and engaging with community responses to your work.
Welcoming Practices
„Tagging newcomers with tooler or 'tech head' nicknames.“
A playful way to induct new members, signaling acceptance and identity within the developer subgroup.
„Inviting new contributors to test minor fixes in beta builds.“
Engages newcomers actively while mentoring them, smoothly integrating them into collaborative development.
Beginner Mistakes
Submitting auto-splitter code without cross-version testing.
Test extensively across multiple game versions and platforms to avoid breaking timing for others.
Ignoring existing tools and reinventing common functionality.
Check community repositories first to build on existing work, fostering collaboration and avoiding duplication.
Pathway to Credibility
Tap a pathway step to view details
Contribute a meaningful bug fix or feature to a popular open-source timing tool.
This demonstrates skill and reliability, earning respect from established tool developers.
Develop a stable auto-splitter for a frequently run game.
Shows mastery of both coding and game mechanics, a key milestone in the community.
Participate regularly in community discussions and code reviews.
Visibility and helpfulness build trust and establish the developer's reputation.
Facts
Regional Differences
North America
Stronger presence of open-source contributions and frequent in-person meetups among tool developers.
Europe
More emphasis on supporting a broader range of obscure and retro game titles due to diverse local gaming cultures.
Misconceptions
Misconception #1
Speedrunning tools are just simple timers.
Reality
They actually include complex memory reading, automation, and integration with game engines to provide ultra-precise and reliable splits.
Misconception #2
Anyone who uses speedrunning tools is a speedrunner rather than a developer.
Reality
Most tool developers identify as programmers or tech enthusiasts focusing on software/hardware, often separate from active speedrunning.
