Speedrunning, the art of completing a video game as quickly as possible, has exploded in popularity with the rise of platforms like Twitch. If you’re interested in speedrunning yourself, choose a game you’re passionate about and watch others’ speedruns to analyze their strategies. Twitch is the go-to platform for speedrunners to showcase their skills live, and there are also opportunities to connect with fellow speedrunners outside of Twitch. When participating in speedrunning communities, respect your fellow runners and credit sources when using others’ strategies or guides. The future of speedrunning communities is bright, with new games coming out every year and evolving streaming platforms providing even more opportunities.
Navigating the World of Speedrunning Communities on Twitch and Beyond
If you’re not familiar with the term “speedrunning,” it’s the art of completing a video game as quickly as possible. This can include anything from exploiting glitches to mastering precise movement to shave seconds off a run. Speedrunning communities have existed for decades, but with the rise of platforms like Twitch, they’ve exploded in popularity. Even if you’re not interested in speedrunning yourself, they can be fascinating subcultures to explore. Here’s what you need to know to navigate the world of speedrunning communities on Twitch and beyond.
Getting Started with Speedrunning
If you’re interested in doing your own speedruns, you first need to find a game you’re passionate about. Ideally, it’s something you know inside and out, since success in speedrunning often hinges on knowing the game’s mechanics and level layouts intimately. Once you’ve chosen your game, watch others’ speedruns and analyze their strategies. Study leaderboards to see what techniques are current and what times are realistic for you. Then, start practicing! It can take months or even years to master a game well enough to set a competitive time, but the effort can be incredibly rewarding.
Exploring Twitch’s Speedrunning Communities
Twitch is the go-to platform for speedrunners to showcase their skills live. The website has dozens of categories dedicated to specific games, and you can filter by whether a streamer is currently “live” or “offline.” Twitch’s speedrunning community is welcoming and inclusive, and many runners have made a name for themselves through their platform.
If you’re new to speedrunning or just want to learn more about a particular game, searching for streams with “educational” tags can be helpful. These streams are hosted by runners who coach viewers through the game’s mechanics and demonstrate the best routes and strategies. Additionally, speedrun marathons, where multiple runners take turns completing games back-to-back, are popular on Twitch and are a great way to get a taste of different games and styles of commentary. Many marathon events aim to raise money for charity, so you can support a good cause while learning about speedrunning.
Joining Speedrunning Communities Outside of Twitch
In addition to Twitch, there are ample opportunities to connect with fellow speedrunners outside of the platform. Speedrun.com is a website that hosts leaderboards and forums for runners of specific games. Some games also have dedicated discords or subreddits, which can be a great way to get advice from more experienced runners and find people to race against. Online racing is another way to get involved in speedrunning without ever leaving your home. Websites like racetime.gg facilitate real-time racing between runners, complete with live commentary and streaming options.
Etiquette within Speedrunning Communities
As with any community, there are certain unwritten “rules” to follow when participating in speedrunning. First and foremost, respect your fellow runners. Don’t harass or belittle others, even if you disagree with their strategies or don’t think their times are impressive. In general, speedrunners are a friendly and supportive group, so don’t be afraid to ask for advice or connect with others who share your interests. Additionally, make sure to credit sources when you’re using other runners’ strategies or guides. Speedrunning can be fiercely competitive, but sportsmanship and camaraderie are highly valued principles within the community.
The Future of Speedrunning Communities
Speedrunning shows no signs of slowing down (pun intended) as a genre or as a community. With new games coming out every year and a constantly evolving landscape of glitches and strategies, the possibilities for growth and innovation within the community are endless. Additionally, streaming platforms are constantly expanding and evolving, providing even more opportunities for runners to showcase their skills and connect with others. Whether you’re a seasoned speedrunner or simply a curious spectator, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of speedrunning communities.