Summer traditions include camping, fireworks, swimming, and a much-needed break from school. But if you’re a nerd like me (and let’s face it, if you’re reading an article on Minecraft.net you are a nerd like me and that’s okay!) summer traditions also include Summer Games Done Quick – a weeklong 24/7 marathon of the best speedruns on the planet.
Summer Games Done Quick (or SGDQ) is an annual speedrunning marathon where gamers work to complete their favourite game as quickly as possible all while raising money for charity. The money raised, often more than a million dollars – and this year’s SGDQ raised a record-breaking 3 million (with an M) dollars – goes to benefit Doctors without Borders. Yes, you heard correctly, gamers get together and raise multiple millions of dollars every year just through playing their favourite games as fast as possible. Make sure you mention that next time grandma asks why you’re wasting your life on video games. Tell her it’s for charity.
During this year’s SGDQ, Minecraft took center stage due to the speedy skills of Illumina1337. He completed the Any% category where the objective is to beat the game quickly without the use of any glitches. I got the chance to speak with Illumina in hopes of learning more about Minecraft speedrunning and the experience of playing the game on such a grand scale for a worthy cause! Watch his speedrun below:
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