The first Games Done Quick (GDQ) event of 2021, Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ), raised over $2.7 million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation. Despite challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including having to hold the event online, AGDQ 2021 featured 170 speedrunners playing through 197 games and had several memorable moments, such as a blindfolded run of Super Mario Bros. 3 and a 100% run of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time with never-before-seen strategies and glitches. Since its inception in 2010, GDQ has raised over $31 million for various charities, and its next event, Summer Games Done Quick, will benefit Doctors Without Borders in July 2021.
Games Done Quick Raises Over $2 Million for Charity at AGDQ 2021
The Event
Games Done Quick (GDQ), a series of charity video game marathons, held its first marathon of 2021, Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ), from January 3 to January 10. The event featured 170 speedrunners playing through 197 games, and all proceedings went to Prevent Cancer Foundation.
The Results
AGDQ 2021 surpassed all expectations by raising over $2,758,847 from 54,373 donations. This is the third-highest total amount in GDQ history, and it exceeded the initial goal of $2 million. The majority of the donations came from the audience during the stream, but some were also made through Tiltify, the official donation platform.
The Impact
The Prevent Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on preventing cancer through research, education, outreach, and advocacy. The money raised from AGDQ 2021 will be used to support cancer prevention and early detection programs, screenings, and research.
Since its inception in 2010, GDQ has raised over $31 million for various charities, including Doctors Without Borders, AbleGamers, and Direct Relief. The organization aims to showcase the skills of speedrunners while promoting charitable causes and creating a sense of community among gamers and viewers from around the world.
The Challenges
AGDQ 2021 faced some challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The event was held entirely online, with all speedrunners and staff participating remotely. This required extra coordination, communication, and technical support to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Additionally, some games were removed from the original schedule due to unforeseen circumstances, but organizers managed to replace them with equally exciting and entertaining runs.
The Highlights
AGDQ 2021 featured many memorable moments, such as:
- A TASBot (Tool-Assisted Speedrun) run of Celeste that showcased advanced glitches and tricks
- A 100% run of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time that included never-before-seen strategies and glitches
- A blindfolded run of Super Mario Bros. 3 that demonstrated incredible memory and precision
- A race between four runners of Super Metroid that had multiple lead changes and a dramatic finish
- Several donation challenges and incentives, such as naming characters or choosing alternate endings
Overall, AGDQ 2021 was a huge success, both in terms of fundraising and entertainment. GDQ has already announced its next event, Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ), which will take place from July 4 to July 11, 2021, and benefit Doctors Without Borders. We can’t wait to see what amazing speedruns and charitable efforts are in store!