How does Speedrun work?

If you are looking for a new way to play and experience games, the “speedrunning (running fast, in literal translation)" might be just what you're looking for. It's a fun and challenging practice that tests your skills and gives you the chance to be part of a passionate community.

What is Speedrun?

O speedrun it is a practice that consists of finishing or zeroing games, or part of it, as soon as possible. Speed possible, following a set of rules established by the community of players of that particular game. It is considered a category of e-sports — electronic sport, Also known as cybersport, and refers to competitions in which electronic games are used.

Os speed runs are recorded on leaderboards that track which players hold the fastest times. Quick for each category. In addition, it is common for the gamer community to dedicate itself to seeking new ways to overcome the challenges of the game, discovering shortcuts, strategies and glitches (term used to indicate failure in a system, especially in software) that can further accelerate gambling.

This quest for efficiency and speed is what motivates many players to get involved with thespeedrunning and to share their achievements with other enthusiasts of this practice. More than that, the modality involves hard work, practice, determination, consistency, strategy, technique, technical knowledge, risk, luck, community and passion.

There's a reason why it's taking over the internet, especially streaming platforms like Twitch ou YouTube. The enthusiasts of speedrun — called r (runners, in literal translation — they have the habit of recording their plays to share them online or transmit them live. Such records are later submitted to specialized sites to be classified in rankings. In this way, players dedicated to this modality can compare their performances with those of other supporters of the speedrun.

Minecraft, Super Mario 64, Celeste, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time e Super Mario Odyssey are some of the most popular games for the speedrun. However, these games are not only popular with r, but also among the general public.

Videos of skilled players finishing Minecraft in less than 20 minutes or mastering Super Mario 64 are successful on platforms such as YouTube, racking up millions of views. Thus, it is through these games and their exposure in the media that the speedrun is gaining more and more prominence and popularity.

It is important to highlight that the modality can be applied to any game, from the simplest to the most complex, from the oldest to the most recent. for sure there is r around the world trying to beat records in their favorite games.

In 1994, Christina “Strunoph” Norman, player of DOOM, created the LMP Hall of Fame, a site dedicated to publishing videos of players recording their own gameplay in the game. The platform also maintained a ranking of the lowest times recorded in the game, becoming a milestone in the first competitions of speedrun of video game history. Thanks to the site, players were able to share their strategies and further hone their skills in pursuit of the best possible time in the game.

In the year 1994, Frank Stajano created the DOOM Honorific Titles, a site that quickly became one of the most popular in the gaming community of DOOM. With a proposal similar to LMP Hall of Fame, the site presented additional challenges to players, such as the title doom tyson, which required completing the game in ultra-violence mode with 100% kills, using only the fist, pistol, and chainsaw as weapons.

This platform has established itself as an important space for competition between players of DOOM, who sought to gain recognition titles in the community and further improve their skills in the game.

From that, several other sites were created with the same purpose, expanding the art of speedrun for other communities and games.

It is worth remembering that speedrun It was practiced even before DOOM, since players have always sought to break records and achieve the best times or scores. However, the game Id Software was the first to offer a reliable tool for recording gameplay, triggering an entire culture in video games.

From then on, the modality became more and more popular, and nowadays it is possible to find competitions and rankings for the most diverse games, bringing together players from all over the world in search of the best performance.

speedrun categories

There are several categories of speedrun, each with its own rules and specific goals. Some of the most common categories include:

• Any% (any percentage): In this category, the goal is to finish the game (or stage) as quickly as possible, PULL worry about progress. You r can ignore quests, items, enemies and use glitches to save time.

• 100%: In this category, the objective is to complete todas the tasks proposed by the game, such as defeating all enemies and collecting all available items and secrets. Rules for this category may vary depending on the community and game in question.

• low%: In this category, the goal is to finish the game with the minimum collected items as possible, without performing improvements on characters or equipment.

• glitchless: While not a category in itself, it's important to note that you are not allowed to exploit or utilize game programming errors during a speedrun.

• RBO extension: Reverse Boss Order (Reverse Order of Chiefs, in free translation) is a category of speedrun in which the objective is to complete the game by defeating the bosses in reverse order to the one planned by the game.

• STONE - Tool Assisted Speedruns (Tool Assisted Speed ​​Racing): This is a way of doing speed runs with the help of external tools. The TAS aims to try to carry out a run perfect or perform humanly impossible mechanics and actions. There are several tools available for the TAS, such as slowing down the game to perform inputs more accurate, join several segments to create a run complete (called splice) or even program all inputs, by , to avoid human errors in the execution of the run.

Still on TAS, these speed runs they can be used to win a game as quickly as possible or for a comic or amusing effect. While they are incredibly impressive, TAS are often excluded from the official leaderboards of speedrunning, as they do not reflect the actual human ability to play the game.

They are considered more as an art form to show how amazing technical and planning skills in games can be. Some TAS also compete for world records, which can only be separated by one .

In addition to these categories, the speed runners can create their own custom categories. Some creative categories include “Nipple%” (Namilo Percent, in free translation) in Super Mario Odyssey, where the goal is to expose the character's nipples as quickly as possible; It is "Gervais%" in Grand Theft Auto IV, where the objective is to reach an in-game TV that is showing stand up Ricky Gervais captured in motion.

The category Any% on glitches is most popular, in which players can use all the glitches and bugs in the game to finish the game as quickly as possible, with no restrictions on game mechanics. The general restrictions applicable to the speedrunning include the use of macros, turbo buttons, modified controls, save states, "ram watching” (visualization of RAM usage during gameplay), manipulation of hardware or tool assistance, which are not allowed in many gaming communities. speedrunning.

Just as a warning, the categories of speedrun are not always so comprehensively named. Instead of "without glitches”, the category can be named based on specifically which glitches are or are not allowed. For example, you can see “Any% No SQ/WW/OoB”. That would mean that the Speedrunner is reaching the credits at any percentage of completion, but saving and exiting (SQ) is not allowed, use warps (WW) or going out of bounds (OoB).

Many other naming conventions can be used, with the community around the specific game determining this, we will now take a look at the main terms used in speedrun.

Most common terms in speedrun

• ACE "Arbitrary Code Execution” (Arbitrary Code Execution, in free translation): is a programming vulnerability in games that allows the player to enter a series of inputs to execute any command in the code. This is usually used to obtain items, teleport to other stages or even “clear” the game by entering the credits screen;
• attempt (Attempt, in free translation): In the practice of speedrun, we call each attempt to complete the game “attempt“, that is, an attempt to win the game;
• auto scroller (Auto Scroll, in free translation): is used to describe stages or moments of the game in which the progression is automatic, that is, it is not possible to accelerate the conclusion;
• buffer (Damper, in free translation): technique to perform inputs with greater precision, the most common is the so-called "pause buffer”, in which we open the pause menu to achieve greater precision in the inputs;
• clip: one glitch known to occur when we walk through walls or solid objects in the game, it usually happens due to the interaction — or lack of interaction — between the hitboxes involved;
• d-boost: technique used to take advantage of purposeful damage in the game. This technique can be used to gain time and/or distance, due to the knockback suffered, or to win iframes and prevent other future harm;
• death warps (Deadly teleports, in free translation): technique that takes advantage of the total loss of life to teleport back to the beginning of the phase or to the last save point;
• Feat (Explore, in free translation): is used to refer to the creative and unusual use of existing and planned mechanics in the game. Some examples of exploits include the use of knockback caused by damage taken to jump holes, or the use of "death warps” to avoid mandatory segments of the game;
• FPS/Frame: A (Frame, in free translation) is the smallest unit of time used in games. Its duration is determined by each game's frame refresh rate, which indicates how many frames are displayed per second. Most modern games run at 60 frames per second, making each lasts about 16 milliseconds;
• Glitch: Failed to program a game. The term "glitchless” is used to refer to any category or attempt to play without the use of glitches;
• hardlock (Hard lock): We can use the term to describe a situation where the game freezes in a way that it is not possible to continue playing or exit this situation. This may include being unable to access menus or closing the game, requiring a reset physical console to be able to play again;
• hit box: is the collision detection region of characters, enemies and objects in the game;
• I-Frames: Invulnerability Frames (Frames of Invulnerability, in free translation) is the moment when a character becomes invulnerable when suffering damage;
• Input: any and all actions performed by the player in the game, whether by a controller, keyboard, mouse or other input device;
• Knockback (Kick, in free translation): is the term used for the kick the character receives when taking damage;
• Team (Delay, in free translation): It is the latency between the player's input and the game's response;
• Loading Zone (Loading Zone): Specific places that trigger in-game events, such as spawning enemies or playing a cutscene;
• Manipulation: Manipulation, which can depend on enemy behavior, internal game variables, and even the RNG (Random Number Generator);
• mashing (Crush, in free translation): the act of repeatedly pressing one or more buttons;
• OoB "Out of bounds” (Out of bounds, in free translation): is a term used to describe when we go beyond the physical barriers imposed by the game. These inaccessible areas can be reached through glitches ou clips;
• pixel: The pixel is the smallest unit of measurement for length in a game. This term is especially used in up to 32-bit games to describe the placement allowance needed to perform tricks or glitches in the game. When positioning is absolutely accurate, we say it is “pixel-perfect";
• Quick kill (Fast kill, in free translation): technique used to defeat an enemy or boss in the shortest possible time. Usually, fight phases are skipped and/or patterns are used to make the fight easier and more trivial;
• relay (Relay, in free translation): The players get take turns to play a game or several games, forming a team. For example, in a relay race Final Fantasy IX, 4 players take turns to finish the run which takes about 9 hours, or in a relay race from the trilogy of Donkey Kong Country, each player runs one of the games;
• RNG "Random Number Generators” (Random Number Generator, in free translation): is the term we use to refer to the randomness of the game. For example, if an enemy has 3 possible behavior patterns, he can give us 3 different RNGs. In some games, it is possible to manipulate the RNG, causing the result obtained to be determined;
• Screen Wrap (To circumvent the screen, in free translation): it is a glitch which consists of interrupting the game's screen transition, making the character appear on the opposite side of where he was previously;
• Skip (Skip, in free translation): is used to refer to any trick that skips parts of the level or game;
• softlock (Loose lock, in free translation): is used to describe the situation in which the player is stuck in the game, unable to get out of that situation, unless restarting the game. Unlike the “hard lock”, it is still possible to interact with the game, open the menu, among other actions;
• spawn point (Point of appearance, in free translation): it is used to describe the place where the player character or enemies appear, which can be on the same screen or in a distant place, as the last "save point” (save point, in free translation) or “loading zone” (Loading zone, in free translation);
• Strat: Strategy, is the elaboration of the use of one or more “tricks” during a run;
• Trick (Trick, in free translation): is used to refer to every technique used in the game, be it a glitch, exploit, manip, death warps, quick kill, among others;
• trigger (Trigger, in free translation): is used to describe something that can trigger an event in the game;
• Wrong Warp (Wrong teleport, in free translation): it's a glitch where the player is teleported to a location not foreseen by the game. It is performed by manipulating internal game variables to change the destination of an existing teleport or create a new one;
• Zip: is a technique that consists of using the hitboxes of the game to push the character at high speed through the level or map. This technique usually happens when making a clip, taking advantage of the hit box from the wall to propel the character away;

The Importance of the right terms in speedrun

Using the right terms is extremely important in a community of speedrun, by allowing runners to communicate efficiently and effectively. When everyone is speaking the same language, it's easier for them to understand each other, share tips and strategies, and work together to improve their runs.

In addition, the correct use of terms helps to avoid misunderstandings and creating a culture of mutual respect among runners. This is because the community speedrun is very technical and precise, and the use of incorrect terms can lead to confusion or unclear communication. This can lead to frustration and even unnecessary conflict.

Finally, it is important to highlight that the correct use of terms is also a way of honoring the history and culture of the community of speedrun. Many terms have been coined over the years to describe specific techniques, glitches and other strategies that r developed to finish games faster. The use of these terms is a way of recognizing and valuing the work and effort of these pioneering runners.

Other important terms that are also used in speedrunning refer to the timing of races.

What is Timer in speedrun

When you join a broadcast from a Speedrunner, it is common to find a stopwatch with various information in the corner of the screen. This is known as a timer, an essential tool. Generally, the timer starts as soon as the player starts the game or starts the specific section, stops as soon as the objective is achieved or when the attempt ends.

The timer helps the player to monitor his progress, adjust his game strategy and track the time of his previous attempts to improve his performance. Some r also use timers to determine whether or not a particular cheat is worth using based on the amount of time it takes to perform it.

The use of a timer is common in communities of speedrun and is a crucial tool for players looking to improve their time in a specific game. The programs most used by the speedrun are the LiveSplit and  WSplit, and there are terms used to optimize this use and make life easier for runners.

Most common terms in the use of Timer

• BPT "Best Possible Time” (Best Possible Time, in free translation): indicates the ideal time to finish the race, considering the best times in the race. runner in each remaining segment;
• Gold: Fastest time ever achieved by the runner in a segment;
• TGI "In Game Time” (Em Tempo de Jogo, in free translation): it is one of the timing methods used in speedrun. In this method, only the time elapsed in the game is considered. Games that use this method often have their own built-in timer, but some tools allow external timers to timeout loading and/or level select screens;
• Peace: is the rhythm of run. When we are "PB pace” means we are playing at a pace that could result in a personal record time;
• PB "Personal Best” (Personal Record, in free translation): it is the best time that the runner has ever achieved in that game and/or category;
• RTA "Real Time Attack” (Attack in Real Time, in free translation): It records the real time elapsed, without interruptions, from the beginning to the end of the attack. run;
• Split: Can we share a run in several parts for greater precision and control, as well as identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the player during the game. Typically, segments are determined by stages, bosses, objectives, or dungeons. Each of these segments is called a “split";
• Under "sum of best” (Sum of the Best, in free translation): The term appears on the chronometers of speed runners and indicates the best possible time of the run, summing all the best times of the runner of each segment. O Under is a theoretical time that represents the limit of the runner's current execution, since it is virtually impossible to perform a run perfect and achieve the best possible times in all segments of the game;
• Time Save/Loss: In a race, the term “time saved” or “time lost” refers to the amount of time a Speedrunner saves or loses in relation to the time it should have taken to complete a certain part of the run;
• WR "World record” (World Record, in free translation): The world record time for that specific category of the game;

The largest collection of content on speedrun is available on speedrun.com, where you can find the overall ranking of times for each game, links to player channels and community servers, as well as guides and resources to hone your racing skills.

The site allows the voluntary submission of times and content, however not all times in the world will be registered there and not all existing games will have a leaderboard (Leaderboard, in literal translation). Some communities, such as Mega ManMario Kart e GoldenEye/Perfect Dark, still maintain their rankings on separate websites or spreadsheets.

If you're interested in learning how to play a game, these sites can be great starting points. However, for closer interaction with the player community, it is highly recommended that you join them on a server of Discord, where you can share information, discuss strategies, solve questions face-to-face, and find virtually every resource available for that game.

In Brazil we have 4 communities of speedrun highlighted:

• BRAT "Brazilians Against Time" (Brasileiros Contra o Tempo, in free translation): The BRAT is a community dedicated to promoting mainly charitable marathons. Throughout its 7 years of existence, BRAT managed to raise more than R$ 270 thousand to help institutions such as AACD, APAE-SP e Doctors Without Borders;
• SGPT “SpeedGamingPortuguese": A SGPT it's a network channel speedgaming, considered one of the largest channel networks in Twitch, fully dedicated to speedrun e randomizer exclusively in Portuguese. A SGPT it broadcasts international tournaments, daily races and also organizes championships and marathons on its channel;
• SRB “Speedruns Brasil”: A SRB is a channel created by the community and dedicated to the community, being responsible for the official transmission in PT-BR of Games Done Quick, the biggest marathon ever speedrun of the world. In addition SRB also broadcasts and organizes tournaments, presentations and marathons of speedrun;
• RBR “Randomizer Brazil”: A RBR is a community focused on randomizer, broadcasting international tournaments with Brazilian participation, in addition to organizing competitions, weekly races and marathons. Randomizer is a game modification in which elements are randomly arranged to generate new games with possible solutions. Competitors play the same seed identified by a hash at the start of the match;

In addition, there are several communities specialized in specific games, franchises or genres, such as Super Mario World Brazil, metroid Brazil, Racing Runners BR, DKC Speedruns Brazil, Celeste Brazil and others.

Games Done Quick: The Speedrunner Benefit

A Games Done Quick (GDQ) is an organization that promotes marathons of speedrun, and every year, speed runners from around the world travel to attend the event live as well as stream it online.

The marathons take place twice a year: the AGDQ (Awesome Games Done Quick) in January and SGDQ (Summer Games Done Quick) in the summer. Players showcase their skills in a wide variety of games, from old classics to modern titles.

But the event isn't just about the players and their speed runs, it is also an opportunity to raise money for charities. Viewers are encouraged to make donations during the broadcasts, which go directly to charities such as Doctors Without Borders and Prevent Cancer Foundation.

In addition to watching amazing games and supporting a good cause, viewers have the opportunity to interact with players in fun ways. High enough donations can result in players changing their character's name or fulfilling specific challenges.

Since its inception, the GDQ raised over $25,7 million for charity, showing how the gaming community can make a positive impact in the real world. The organization continues to grow each year, bringing in more talented players and more engaged donors.

Speedrun events in Brazil

O speedrun it is still not as popular in Brazil as in other countries, but some groups have dedicated themselves to publicizing and encouraging this practice. Furthermore, many events speedrun are also carried out in support of social causes.

Among the best-known events in the country is the BRAT, which since 2016 has held charitable marathons to help charities. This year it raised more than R$ 24 thousand for the institution Doctors Without Borders. Like BRAT, other communities hold various events such as online marathons, face-to-face and championships, not necessarily charitable, stay tuned on Discord communities to participate and follow.

Top speedrun records

We selected some records listed on the site speedrun.com. According to the page, these are the best global races, so far, in their respective categories:

record speedrun The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Any% – 7m07s

record speedrun Minecraft (Any% Glitchless) – 8m01s

Record speedrun from Mario 64 (120 Stars) – 1h37m

record speedrun Super Mario World (All Castles) – 33m47s

record speedrun Cuphead (Any%) – 28m10s

record speedrun Resident Evil 2 (Any% Leon) – 39m30s

record speedrun GTA V (100% Classic) – 9h56m58s

record speedrun Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (Any%) – 18m54s

record speedrun Mike Tyson's Punch Out!! (Blindfolded) – 18m03s

What can you learn from speedrunning?

speedrunning it's not just about making moves in milliseconds or finding glitches to make the game easier. However, there is a lot to learn from people who dedicate themselves to this practice.

The world of speed runs it is much more complex than it seems. A lot of hard work, practice, determination, consistency, strategy, technique, risk, luck and passion are involved in this activity. Runners dedicate hundreds, or even thousands, hours into your games, and practice is the key to perfection.

Os r teach us valuable lessons. They persevere and never give up, which is admirable and inspiring. While we may not be breaking world records or making money from streams, we can still achieve our goals and dreams through hard work, practice, patience and strategy.

This analogy may seem simplistic, but it's true. If a young man can become famous with hours of practice, then we can achieve our goals through dedicated time and striving for improvement.

The community of speedrunning is amazing, friendly, supportive and passionate. She is driven by love, love for each other, love for the game, and love for doing things for the greater good. If you are considering trying out the speedrunning, we encourage you to get started. It is a fun and rewarding art, hobby and sport.

So grab the controller, timer, turn on your favorite game and get started. You will not regret!

See more:

The resounding success of the infectious Games Done Quick

Sources: speedrun.com, The Guardian, SpeedGamingNews

reviewed by Glaucon Vital in 18 / 4 / 23.