What has been your favorite moment of Awesome Games Done Quick 2023 so far?

I have managed to tear my attention away from the Games Done Quick stream for a brief moment to write this post. It was not easy, because the week has been non-stop excellence in speedrunning and charitable awesomeness. For those of you who, like Mitch and myself, are fans of this wonderful gaming philanthropy event, what have been your standout moments so far?

I had predicted ahead of time that Sunday’s bonus game of Cuphead would be one to watch, and Jason2890 did not disappoint. Not only was the gameplay top notch, but the runner, commentator, and host all delivered delicious puns throughout the whole run. In my world, it doesn’t get any better.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge was also a really good time. It’s funny how beat-’em-up games seem to always present a cozy, chill vibe. This run had great commentary from ateatree (who has a near-encyclopedic knowledge of TMNT lore) that kept the whole audience delighted. Plus (spoiler alert) Benja and Paul-Knives breezed through it all to set a massive new world record. Cowabunga indeed!

Part of the fun with a GDQ event is being introduced to both games and runners that I’ve never seen before. I have to say, danejerus and his run of Fashion Police Squad was one of the top unexpected delights I’ve ever seen on the stage. The game is outrageously sly and silly with its tongue-in-cheek references to old school first person shooters. I think its sales will have seen a deserved spike after this showcase. But the charisma and charm of danejerus, not to mention his flowing locks, took this from a good time to an unforgettable time.

Those are my highlights thus far! The event will be raising money for the Prevent Cancer Foundation through Saturday night, so there’s still a whole lot of hype to come. And I really, really recommend trying to stay awake through the event recap to close the week. Games Done Quick’s original creator and founder, Mike Uyama, announced that he is stepping down at the end of this event. His departure marks the end of an incredible era for GDQ, so expect things to get even more emotionally charged than usual when the team gives him a sendoff.