‘Speedrun’ Meaning in Gaming | Esports Terms Explained
Speedrun is a term that refers to completing a game or a section of a game as quickly as possible. It involves using various techniques, such as glitches, shortcuts, or exploits, to skip or optimize parts of the game. Speedrun is also known as speedrunning, speed gaming, or speed playing.
The purpose of speedrun is to provide a challenging and rewarding gameplay experience for the player, where they have to master the game mechanics, plan the route, and execute the actions. Speedrun can also be done to show off one’s skill and knowledge, or to compete and compare with other players. Speedrun is often associated with platformer, puzzle, or adventure games, where the player has to overcome obstacles, solve problems, or reach goals.
What is the History and Evolution of Speedrunning?
Speedrunning has a long and diverse history and evolution, that reflects the influences and innovations of the gaming industry and culture. Some of the stages are:
Early speedrunning: This is the first stage of speedrunning, that started in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the first video game magazines and websites were published, such as Nintendo Power, GamePro, or IGN. These media outlets featured articles, reviews, or guides, that included tips, tricks, or cheats, to beat or complete games faster or easier. These sources were the inspiration and the foundation for speedrunning, and some of the games that were featured were Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, or Doom.
Classic speedrunning: This is the second stage of speedrunning, that lasted from the mid-1990s to the late 2000s, when the internet and the video sharing platforms became widespread, such as YouTube, Twitch, or Speed Demos Archive. These platforms allowed players to record, upload, or stream their speedruns, and share them with other players or viewers. These platforms were the refinement and the expansion of speedrunning, and some of the games that were popular were Half-Life, Metroid Prime, or Portal.
Modern speedrunning: This is the third and current stage of speedrunning, that began in the early 2010s and continues to this day, when the speedrunning community and the events became mainstream, such as Reddit, Discord, or Games Done Quick. These platforms allowed players to communicate, collaborate, or compete with other players, and organize or participate in speedrunning events or marathons. These platforms were the adaptation and the innovation of speedrunning, and some of the games that are trending are Celeste, Super Mario Odyssey, or Sekiro.
What are Some Examples of Games that are Popular for Speedrunning?
Speedrunning games are numerous and varied, depending on the era, the genre, and the preference of the player. Some of the most popular and well-known examples of games that are popular for speedrunning are:
Super Mario 64: This is one of the most classic and iconic platformer games that are popular for speedrunning. In this game, the player controls Mario, who has to collect stars and defeat Bowser, in a 3D world. The game has a simple and intuitive gameplay system, where the player can use different jumps, moves, and glitches, to skip or optimize parts of the game. The game also has different categories for speedrunning, such as 0-star, 16-star, or 120-star, that have different rules and goals.
Portal: This is one of the most successful and innovative puzzle games that are popular for speedrunning. In this game, the player controls Chell, who has to escape from a testing facility, using a portal gun, in a sci-fi setting. The game has a smooth and immersive gameplay system, where the player can use different portals, objects, and exploits, to skip or optimize parts of the game. The game also has different categories for speedrunning, such as any%, glitchless, or inbounds, that have different restrictions and techniques.
Dark Souls: This is one of the most challenging and rewarding action RPG games that are popular for speedrunning. In this game, the player controls an undead, who has to survive and fight against various enemies and bosses, in a dark and Gothic fantasy world. The game has a complex and realistic gameplay system, where the player can use different weapons, armor, and skills, and also use glitches, shortcuts, or exploits, to skip or optimize parts of the game. The game also has different categories for speedrunning, such as any%, all bosses, or soul level 1, that have different objectives and difficulties.
Our Final Thoughts
Speedrun is a term that refers to completing a game or a section of a game as quickly as possible. It can have different reasons and methods, depending on the player and the game. Speedrun is often done for challenge, reward, or competition, by players who want to master and beat the games. Some of the most popular games that are popular for speedrunning are Super Mario 64, Portal, and Dark Souls.