Games Done Quick has been speedrunning for charity for years, but now it's had to make a change to help keep everyone safe. Summer GDQ Online 2020 will be a remote event that will aim to accomplish many of the same goals while helping keep people safe.
Previously, Summer GDQ was scheduled to take place in Bloomington, MN. Unfortunately, state guidelines surrounding COVID-19 will make a physical event a tricky proposition. As a consequence, the organization is shifting to an online-only, remote format.
"We would like to thank the community for its patience while we were figuring out the best way to proceed with Summer Games Done Quick 2020," said GDQ's Kasumi Yogi in a press release. "We're excited to continue showcasing some of the most talented speedrunners in the world while observing best practices to keep everyone safe in the midst of a global pandemic."
Instead of streaming from a communal room at one location, the speedrunners will be broadcasting their speedrunning attempts for charity from the safety of their homes. This particular event is aiming to benefit Doctors Without Borders — certainly an apt choice considering the health crisis that has impacted the world in recent months.
When is Summer GDQ Online 2020?
The shift to a digital event means some substantial changes for Games Done Quick this time around. Thankfully, it will at least be able to keep to its schedule — you'll be able to watch speedrunners at their best on August 16–23, 2020, starting at 11:30 AM Eastern.
Of course, many people are also going to be participating in the event in some capacity, whether they're serving as speedrunners or acting as volunteers. You can find out all of the details about what's changed for these various positions (including when and how to submit your speedruns) at the official Games Done Quick website.
The shift to an online-only format is certainly understandable considering concerns over the COVID-19 Pandemic. You'll be able to watch the online Summer GDG event on twitch.tv/gamesdonequick this August.
Read more about how the COVID-19 novel coronavirus is affecting the gaming world at our Coronavirus Gaming Convention Cancellations and Game Delays Hub.
What do you think of Summer GDG Online 2020 switching to a remote, online-only format? Do you think this will have a big effect on the show? Let us know in the comments below!
