Introduction
A speed run is a competitive activity in which players attempt to complete a video game or a specific portion of a game as quickly as possible. Speed runs are typically timed from a defined starting point to a defined ending point, and they can be performed with or without restrictions on the use of glitches, patches, or external aids. The community that engages in speed running has developed its own conventions, record-keeping systems, and cultural practices. The activity is supported by a number of online platforms, live streaming services, and specialized software tools.
History and Background
Early Origins
The earliest documented speed runs date back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, when enthusiasts of home computers such as the Commodore 64 and the Atari ST recorded and compared run times in forums and bulletin board systems. One of the earliest known records was set for the game Prince of Persia in 1990 by an individual named "Speedy Gonzales," who posted his run on the U.S. Electronic Game Developers' Forum (UGDF). These early runs were largely informal and did not have standardized rules.
Rise of the Internet
With the expansion of the World Wide Web in the mid‑1990s, the practice of speed running gained a broader audience. Dedicated websites such as GameFAQs and Internet Game Database began hosting sections where players could upload videos and share techniques. In 2004, the first official speed‑running record for the platform game Super Mario Bros. was archived on the now‑defunct SpeedRun.com website.
Modern Era
The contemporary era of speed running began with the launch of the speed‑running database Speedrun.com in 2010. This platform introduced a standardized verification system, where record holders submit their videos to a community of raters who check for compliance with the defined rules. Speedrun.com also introduced category definitions, such as "Any%," "100%," "Glitchless," and "New Game+," which have become widely adopted across the community. Live streaming on platforms such as Twitch and video sharing on YouTube have further popularized the activity.
Key Concepts and Terminology
Run Categories
Speed runs are categorized primarily by the degree of completion and the allowed techniques. Common categories include:
- Any%: Completion of the game using any means, typically aiming for the fastest possible time.
- 100%: Full completion of all game objectives, including side quests and collectibles.
- Glitchless: Runs completed without the use of glitches or cheats.
- New Game+ (NG+): Completion of the game using a second playthrough with retained progress or bonuses.
Glitches and Exploits
Glitches are unintended behaviors in a game's code that can be leveraged to skip sections or duplicate items. Exploits refer to intentional manipulation of game mechanics to gain an advantage. In many speed‑running communities, the use of glitches is either allowed or prohibited depending on the category. The legitimacy of a run often hinges on whether all required steps were completed and whether the run complies with the category’s rules.
Verification and Raters
Verification is the process of confirming that a submitted run meets all category rules. On Speedrun.com, verified raters - experienced players who have completed the game and understand its nuances - review submitted videos. Raters check for:
- Start and end timestamps.
- Compliance with glitch or no‑glitch rules.
- Presence of all required objectives.
- Absence of external aids that violate the rules.
Types of Speedruns
Game and Platform Diversity
Speed running spans a wide array of platforms, from classic home computers to modern consoles and handheld devices. Some notable examples include:
- 8‑bit and 16‑bit Era: NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Color.
- Modern Consoles: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch.
- PC Games: Doom, Dark Souls, Portal.
- Mobile Games: Monument Valley, Clash Royale.
Each platform introduces unique challenges, such as frame rate variations, controller latency, and differing save systems, which influence the strategies employed.
Run Objectives
Beyond traditional categories, some speed runs focus on specialized objectives:
- Glitchless Marathon: Completing the entire game without any glitches, often used to highlight a game's pacing and design.
- Speedrun Challenges: Community‑initiated challenges that may involve constraints like “no pause” or “no mouse.”
- World Record (WR) Attempts: Attempts to break existing global records for a particular category.
Speedrunning Community and Culture
Social Interaction and Collaboration
The speed‑running community thrives on collaboration. Players often share guides, walkthroughs, and timing tools on forums such as Speedrun.com and subreddits like r/speedrun. Community members frequently form teams to refine strategies, test glitch combinations, and host live events.
Events and Competitions
Annual events such as Summer of Zelda and the Zelda Speedrun Marathon attract thousands of viewers and participants. These marathons provide a platform for community members to showcase their skills and contribute to charity. Live broadcasts on Twitch allow audiences to follow runs in real time, adding a spectator dimension to the activity.
Ethics and Sportsmanship
Ethical considerations in speed running include the sharing of spoilers, respecting the intellectual property of game developers, and maintaining transparency in record submission. Many community members adhere to an unspoken code of conduct that discourages the sharing of spoilers outside of dedicated channels and encourages the fair treatment of runners.
Tools and Techniques
Recording and Timing Software
Accurate timekeeping is essential for legitimate records. Common tools include:
- LiveSplit – A free, open‑source timer that supports split tracking and customizable layouts.
- Timer3 – A web‑based timer designed for speed‑running competitions.
- Replay Recording – Dedicated software such as OBS Studio for capturing gameplay footage with time stamps.
Game Patches and Emulators
Speed runners often use emulators like Mesen for NES or Snes9x for SNES to achieve consistent timing. Some runners also apply unofficial patches that, for example, enable a 60‑fps mode on games originally designed for 50 Hz to reduce input lag. The use of such patches is usually permitted only in specified categories.
Glitch Discovery and Exploitation
Advanced speed runs may involve exploiting specific bugs, such as memory corruption, input lag, or physics glitches. Discovering new glitches often involves systematic testing of game mechanics and meticulous video analysis. Community forums host dedicated threads where runners share discovered glitches, discuss their feasibility, and debate the legality of using them in particular categories.
Recording, Verification, and Validation
Video Submission Protocols
Speedrun.com requires that submissions include a clear start and end sequence, with timestamps visible in the footage. Runners typically record in full‑screen mode and maintain a consistent framerate. The submitted video is then posted to the site, where it undergoes a review process.
Rater Consensus
To avoid subjective biases, a run must be verified by a minimum of two raters who confirm that all criteria are met. In case of disagreement, a third rater may be consulted. This consensus model helps preserve the integrity of the record database.
Record Updates and Retractions
Records can be updated when a new, faster time is submitted and verified. Retractions occur when a previously accepted run is found to violate rules, such as using an unauthorized patch or failing to meet all required objectives. The speed‑running community typically follows a transparent process for announcing retractions, often with accompanying video evidence.
Notable Speedruns and Records
Historical Breakthroughs
The first official world record for Super Mario Bros. Any% was set by Speedy Gonzales with a time of 2:12 in 1990. In 2010, the speed‑running community achieved a significant milestone with a 1:18 Any% completion for the same game, setting a new benchmark for the community.
Modern Benchmarks
In 2021, the speed runner Kevin L set a new world record for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Any% at 18 minutes and 39 seconds, using a combination of glitch exploits and precision timing. This record stands as one of the most celebrated achievements in speed‑running history.
Record Diversity
Records span a wide range of categories. For instance, the Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Glitchless world record stands at 24 minutes and 54 seconds, while the Any% record is 9 minutes and 20 seconds. These differences illustrate the impact of glitch usage on completion times.
Impact on Game Design
Developer Interaction
Some game developers have responded to speed‑running by including dedicated speed‑run modes or providing support for emulation. For example, Rockstar Games released a speed‑run update for Grand Theft Auto V, adding new telemetry tools to assist runners. Developers also occasionally acknowledge speed runners in credits or release special patches to facilitate community events.
Design Feedback Loop
Speed‑running communities sometimes provide feedback to developers regarding level design, glitch presence, and difficulty balancing. By highlighting areas where a game may unintentionally facilitate glitch exploitation, speed runners can help inform patch decisions and future titles.
Influence on Indie Games
Indie developers have begun to design games with speed‑running in mind, incorporating features such as precise collision detection and intentional “fast‑travel” shortcuts. Titles like Hollow Knight and Dead Cells have garnered significant speed‑running communities, demonstrating the synergy between indie design and competitive play.
Criticism and Legal Issues
Intellectual Property Concerns
Speed runners often rely on video capture and recording of copyrighted games. While most publishers tolerate or even support speed‑running communities, some have issued takedown notices for videos that infringe on distribution rights. Legal debates continue regarding the extent to which recorded gameplay constitutes derivative works.
Glitch Exploitation and Game Integrity
Critics argue that the use of glitches can undermine a game's intended experience. In some cases, glitch‑based speed runs have led to the discovery of unintended bugs that require official patches, prompting discussions about the responsibilities of the speed‑running community.
Time‑Caps and Verification Complexity
Some record categories impose time limits on verification, leading to disputes over whether a record should be considered legitimate. The community strives to balance fairness with practicality, but disagreements occasionally arise regarding verification procedures.
Future Trends
Advances in Timing Technology
Integration of hardware timers, such as Ultimate Play, promises to reduce the margin of error in split timing. The adoption of cloud‑based recording solutions may streamline the submission process for runners.
Cross‑Platform Record Sharing
Emerging initiatives aim to standardize record-keeping across multiple platforms, enabling runners to transfer achievements between consoles, PC, and mobile. This trend encourages more inclusive participation across device ecosystems.
Virtual Reality Speed Runs
Virtual Reality (VR) offers new dimensions for speed running, introducing spatial challenges and novel input methods. Early adopters are experimenting with VR speed runs for titles like Half‑Life: Alyx and custom VR experiences designed explicitly for competitive timing.
Community Growth and Accessibility
Efforts to lower barriers to entry, such as tutorial streams for beginners, are expected to grow the community. Additionally, the use of language‑translation tools and open‑source resources will help diversify participation worldwide.
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