A youthful looking gentleman going by the handle "Distortion2" is tearing through Dark Souls 2 in an attempt at defeating all of the game's bosses in a little over two and a half hours. He is masterfully evading potentially game-ending enemies and dispatching bosses almost instantaneously in a seemingly effortless display, which is allowing him to progress through the game with ease. Behind him, a crowd of onlookers fall silent in moments that require careful precision, and enthusiastically cheer whenever a "strat" is successfully executed.
I of course am speaking of the bi-annual Games Done Quick, and the hype is real.
For those unfamiliar with the third most magical time of the year, Games Done Quick is a speed-running event that sees dozens of talented participants completely destroying the integrity of games by utilizing all manner of tricks, glitches, and exploits to complete games well-below their intended play-times. Witnessing each speed run is both fascinating and educational, as you are frequently exposed to facets of each game that their developers never wanted you to see. Sometimes the runs go smoothly, sometimes they don't - but either scenario brings their own flare that make it well worth the watch. Most importantly, however, is the fact that GDQ is primarily a charity fundraising event that has for the last several years accrued millions of dollars in funds for various humanitarian organizations.
In addition to the thrill of seeing your favorite games completely eviscerated in ways you never thought possible, GDQ is an awe-inspiring showcase of philanthropy. Though it would be nice to see it happen more frequently, GDQ's bi-annual events are an important reminder that, despite the pervasive toxicity residing within the gaming community, there can be some good to come out of a bunch of nerds getting together to play a game.
The event is being streamed on the official GDQ Twitch channel, with speed-runs taking place 24 hours a day until the event's finale on Saturday night.
