Summer Games Done Quick Online Raises Huge Money For Charity

Summer Games Done Quick 2020 couldn't go forward as it typically does because of the pandemic, and the organizers opted for an online-only format where streamers would speed through games at their homes. This didn't slow down donations, however, as the week-long marathon brought in $2.3 million for Doctors Without Borders.

Viewership peaked at more than 107,000 during the week, which included runs of games like Demon's Souls, Hollow Knight, Sonic Heroes, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. There is an archive available on the official Games Done Quick YouTube channel if you want to watch or re-watch a particular run, with videos split up by game to make it easy.

With any luck, the Awesome Games Done Quick event scheduled for January 2021 will be able to take place the traditional way, with fans cheering each player on as they show off their skills. Still, the amount of money raised for charity during the most-recent event is extremely impressive when considering many are on a budget during the pandemic.

Games Done Quick features traditional speedruns of games along with more creative ones, such as races between two players or "randomizer" runs that switch up elements of the games. Those who donate have a chance to win prizes such as art or collectibles, as well.