Is Speedrunning Still Popular In The Gaming Community Or Declining

Speedrunning—completing video games as quickly as possible—has long occupied a unique space in gaming culture. From early exploits in titles like *Doom* and *Super Mario 64* to record-breaking runs of modern hits such as *Elden Ring* and *Hollow Knight*, the practice has evolved from niche curiosity into a globally recognized discipline. But with shifting attention spans, algorithm-driven content consumption, and an ever-expanding gaming landscape, questions arise: Is speedrunning still thriving, or is it slowly losing momentum?

The answer isn’t binary. While mainstream visibility fluctuates, the core community remains active, innovative, and deeply committed. To understand the current state of speedrunning, one must examine viewership trends, platform dynamics, technological advancements, and the evolving nature of game design.

The Evolution of Speedrunning Culture

Speedrunning began organically in the late 1990s and early 2000s, driven by tech-savvy players sharing tricks on forums and personal websites. Early milestones included tool-assisted speedruns (TAS), which used emulators to achieve theoretically perfect playthroughs, and real-time attempts (RTA) performed live. These efforts laid the foundation for what would become a global subculture.

By the 2010s, platforms like YouTube and Twitch amplified reach. Events such as Games Done Quick (GDQ) brought legitimacy and charitable purpose to the scene, raising millions for organizations like Doctors Without Borders. The combination of high skill, entertainment value, and social impact solidified speedrunning as more than just a pastime—it became a performance art form.

However, as streaming platforms matured, so did competition for audience attention. Short-form content on TikTok and YouTube Shorts began dominating user engagement, favoring quick clips over hour-long runs. This shift raised concerns about whether traditional speedrunning could retain relevance.

Current Trends in Viewership and Participation

To assess popularity, one must analyze both quantitative and qualitative indicators. On Twitch, dedicated speedrunners like Samsara, Naeshu, and FireyIce regularly pull thousands of concurrent viewers during major events. GDQ continues to draw tens of thousands of live viewers annually, with donation totals exceeding $3 million in recent marathons.

Yet outside these peak moments, average viewership for individual runners has plateaued or slightly declined since 2020. According to data from SullyGnome, total hours watched for the \"Speedrun\" category on Twitch dropped by approximately 18% between 2021 and 2023. However, this decline may reflect broader platform changes—such as algorithmic shifts favoring IRL and variety content—rather than waning interest in speedrunning itself.

Meanwhile, participation metrics tell a different story. Speedrun.com, the primary leaderboard repository, reports steady growth in user accounts and submitted runs. Over 500 new games have been added to the site since 2022, including indie titles specifically designed with speedrunning in mind. This suggests that while passive viewership may be softening, active involvement is not only stable but expanding.

Tip: Follow smaller runners on Twitch—they often provide deeper insight into routing strategies and are more accessible for community interaction.

How Game Design Influences Speedrunning Viability

A critical factor in speedrunning’s longevity is the structure of modern games. Open-world designs, procedural generation, and extensive cutscenes can hinder fast completion times. Titles like *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* introduced massive exploration freedom, which initially seemed incompatible with speedrunning. Yet the community responded by developing complex routing systems, sequence breaks, and physics manipulation techniques—proving adaptability.

In contrast, linear or tightly scripted games often struggle to maintain long-term speedrunning interest. Once optimal routes are discovered, innovation slows. This dynamic creates a paradox: the more polished and controlled a game’s design, the less room there is for emergent speedrunning strategies.

Indie developers now recognize this balance. Games like *Celeste*, *Katana ZERO*, and *Hyper Light Drifter* incorporate mechanics that reward precision and repetition—making them ideal for speedrunning. Some even include built-in timer functions or developer commentary acknowledging the speedrun community.

“Good speedrun games aren’t necessarily broken—they’re deep. They allow players to uncover layers through mastery.” — Lisanne P., Independent Game Designer and Former Speedrunner

Community Health and Innovation in 2024

Beyond viewership numbers, the health of a subculture lies in its ability to innovate and sustain internal engagement. Speedrunning excels here. Categories like Any%, Glitchless, 100%, and Low%, alongside challenge-specific rulesets (e.g., “No Major Glitches”), demonstrate ongoing creativity in defining goals.

New tools have also lowered entry barriers. Software like LiveSplit provides real-time timing, while communities on Discord and Reddit offer mentorship. Beginner-friendly resources, such as route guides and emulator save states for practice, help newcomers progress faster than in previous decades.

Moreover, collaborative discovery remains vibrant. In 2023, a previously unknown warp glitch in *Super Mario World* was found using advanced input analysis, shaving seconds off world records. Similarly, *Elden Ring*’s open-world complexity led to rapid evolution in routing theory, with top runners refining paths weekly after launch.

Real Example: The Rise of *Hollow Knight* Speedrunning

*Hollow Knight*, released in 2017, exemplifies how a well-designed metroidvania can sustain long-term speedrunning interest. Initially, Any% runs took over two hours. Within a year, optimized movement tech like “Desolate Dive” and map clipping reduced times dramatically. By 2024, the world record stood at under 18 minutes—a testament to iterative improvement.

The community developed multiple categories: No Hit, All Charms, and even co-op challenges. Developer Team Cherry acknowledged the scene, occasionally teasing updates based on runner feedback. This symbiotic relationship between creators and competitors highlights a model for sustainable speedrunning ecosystems.

Challenges Facing the Speedrunning Community

Despite resilience, several threats loom. Cheating and verification issues persist, particularly with unverified submissions on public leaderboards. While moderators work diligently, false claims can erode trust. The rise of AI-generated inputs and macro abuse in emulator-based runs adds complexity to validation.

Another concern is burnout. Top runners invest hundreds of hours mastering single games, often without financial return. Unlike esports professionals, most speedrunners lack sponsorships or consistent monetization. This makes long-term dedication difficult, especially as life responsibilities accumulate.

Finally, discoverability remains an issue. While GDQ garners media coverage, everyday runners struggle to grow audiences. Algorithms favor viral moments—like a dramatic death or funny commentary—over the quiet intensity of a flawless run.

Factor	Supports Popularity	Threatens Popularity
Viewership	High during events (GDQ)	Low daily averages on Twitch
Participation	Growing number of games and runners	High skill barrier deters beginners
Game Design	Indie support for speedrunning	AAA trends toward cinematic pacing
Technology	Better tools for tracking and sharing	Risk of cheating via automation
Monetization	Donations, merch, Patreon	Lack of sustainable income

Actionable Insights for Aspiring Speedrunners

For those interested in joining or revitalizing their speedrunning journey, a structured approach increases chances of success and enjoyment.

1. Choose the Right Game: Pick one with active leaderboards, available resources, and manageable complexity. Avoid oversaturated titles unless you're aiming for novelty categories.
2. Study Existing Runs: Watch world-record attempts frame-by-frame. Take notes on routing, movement optimization, and lag management.
3. Join the Community: Participate in Discord servers or forums. Ask questions, share splits, and get feedback.
4. Use Proper Tools: Set up LiveSplit, configure your capture card for clean streaming, and use input display software.
5. Submit Verified Runs: Always follow site guidelines when posting to Speedrun.com or similar platforms. Include proof footage and detailed descriptions.

Tip: Focus on consistency before chasing speed. A run with zero mistakes at 95% of the WR pace builds better habits than erratic attempts near the top time.

Checklist: Launch Your Speedrunning Journey

• ✅ Select a game with active competition
• ✅ Download and install timing software (e.g., LiveSplit)
• ✅ Watch at least three full high-level runs
• ✅ Join the official Discord or subreddit
• ✅ Practice segment by segment using reset-friendly save points
• ✅ Record and review your own runs weekly
• ✅ Submit your first verified run once under 110% of the WR

Frequently Asked Questions

Is speedrunning dying because fewer people watch it on Twitch?

Not necessarily. While organic viewership on Twitch has dipped due to platform-wide algorithm changes, participation and innovation remain strong. Many fans consume runs through VODs, YouTube compilations, or community discussions rather than live streams. The culture persists beyond real-time metrics.

Can I make money speedrunning?

Direct earnings are rare, but possible. Top runners generate income through donations (especially during charity marathons), Patreon supporters, sponsorships, and merchandise. However, most do it for passion, not profit. Treating it as a hobby with potential side benefits is a healthier mindset.

Are glitches allowed in speedrunning?

It depends on the category. “Any%” categories often permit sequence breaks and exploits, while “Glitchless” or “100%” runs restrict certain manipulations. Each game defines its own rules, usually agreed upon by community consensus and verified by moderators.

Conclusion: Speedrunning Is Adapting, Not Declining

Speedrunning is not experiencing a decline—it is undergoing transformation. The golden era of explosive growth may have passed, but what remains is a mature, technically sophisticated community capable of sustaining itself through dedication and innovation. It no longer relies solely on viral fame or mainstream exposure; instead, it thrives on shared knowledge, incremental progress, and the intrinsic joy of mastery.

As long as games continue to contain hidden mechanics, unintended shortcuts, and layers of complexity, there will be players eager to exploit them in pursuit of perfection. The spirit of speedrunning—optimization, creativity, and boundary-pushing—is timeless.

🚀 Ready to start your first speedrun? Pick a game you love, dive into the leaderboards, and begin dissecting every second. The community welcomes new minds—and your next record might redefine what’s possible.