How Speedrunning Platformers Became a Global Phenomenon

31 March 2025

Video games have always been a source of joy, challenge, and connection. Whether you're saving princesses, collecting coins, or shooting aliens, gaming is all about beating the odds and having fun along the way. But there’s one aspect of gaming that has taken the world by storm – speedrunning platformers. What began as a niche hobby for dedicated fans has evolved into a global movement with millions of followers. So, how did this adrenaline-fueled race to the finish become such a huge phenomenon? Let’s dive in and uncover the story behind the rise of speedrunning platformers.

What is Speedrunning?

First things first – let’s talk about what speedrunning actually is. Speedrunning is the art (and science) of completing a video game as quickly as possible. It’s not just about playing fast, though. Speedrunners meticulously study a game’s mechanics, discover glitches, practice for hours on end, and construct strategies to shave even milliseconds off their time. Think of it as turning a game into a race, where every jump, movement, and action counts.

Now, throw platformers into the mix, and you’ve got a match made in gaming heaven. Platformers – games where players navigate levels filled with obstacles by jumping, running, and climbing – are well-suited for speedrunning. They’re fast-paced by nature, and their level design is perfect for experimenting with shortcuts and tricks.

The Roots of Speedrunning

Speedrunning has been around for decades. In fact, it can be traced back to the early days of gaming in the 1980s and 1990s. Games like Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog pushed players to complete levels as quickly as possible, rewarding them with high scores and bragging rights.

But the speedrunning community truly started to take shape in the early 2000s. Online forums, YouTube, and later on, Twitch, gave players a platform to share their runs, showcase their skills, and challenge others to beat their times. Suddenly, speedrunning went from being a solo activity to a community-driven movement.

Why Platformers?

So, why did speedrunners gravitate toward platformers? The answer lies in their design. Platformers are built on tight controls, intricate level layouts, and mechanics that reward precision. Unlike role-playing games or open-world adventures, platformers are self-contained and encourage repetition, which is ideal for speedrunning.

Take Super Mario 64, for example. This game revolutionized platformers with its open-ended levels and mechanics. Speedrunners discovered ways to chain together long jumps, skips, and glitches that allowed them to complete the game in record time. Watching a speedrunner complete Mario 64 in under 20 minutes is nothing short of jaw-dropping.

The Thrill of the Chase

Here’s the thing: speedrunning platformers isn’t just a technical challenge – it’s also thrilling to watch. Whether it’s narrowly escaping a rolling boulder in Crash Bandicoot or perfectly timing a wall-jump in Celeste, there’s an undeniable excitement in seeing someone perform at the top of their game. It’s like watching an athlete break records at the Olympics, except it’s all happening on your screen.

Twitch and YouTube: Speedrunning's Biggest Boosters

The rise of streaming platforms like Twitch and content-sharing platforms like YouTube played a massive role in turning speedrunning into a global phenomenon. Suddenly, speedrunners had a stage to showcase their runs to a global audience.

Streamers like Summoning Salt, who creates detailed documentaries about speedrunning history, have helped bring attention to the intricacies of the craft. And then there’s Games Done Quick (GDQ), a bi-annual charity speedrunning marathon that features some of the most skilled runners tackling iconic games. GDQ events have raised millions of dollars for charity while attracting hundreds of thousands of viewers.

It’s not just about watching someone go fast – it’s about the stories behind the runs, the camaraderie of the community, and the shared love for gaming.

The Role of Technology and Glitch Hunting

Speedrunning wouldn’t be where it is today without technology. Tools like frame-perfect input checkers, emulators, and TAS (Tool-Assisted Speedruns) have allowed speedrunners to dissect games down to their very core.

And then there’s the art of glitch hunting. Gamers painstakingly scour through every frame of a platformer to find unintended exploits that give them an edge. Some glitches are easy to spot, like clipping through walls or skipping cutscenes. Others, like Ocarina of Time’s “Wrong Warp” glitch, require an almost scientific level of knowledge about the game’s code.

Glitch hunting isn’t just about finding bugs – it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Speedrunners are essentially remixing a game, turning it into a new kind of challenge that keeps audiences coming back for more.

The Community: The Heart of Speedrunning

At its core, speedrunning is all about community. It’s not just about setting world records or mastering every trick. It’s about helping others improve, sharing strategies, and celebrating everyone’s victories.

Platforms like Speedrun.com have made it easy for players to track their progress, compare times, and connect with others. Discord servers, forums, and social media groups are buzzing with speedrunning discussions 24/7.

Then there’s the sheer diversity of the community. Speedrunners come from all walks of life and all corners of the globe. Whether you’re an 8-bit enthusiast or a fan of modern indie platformers, there’s a spot for you in this ever-growing scene.

Speedrunning Platformers in the Modern Era

Fast forward to today, and speedrunning platformers are bigger than ever. Indie games like Celeste, Hollow Knight, and Super Meat Boy have captured the hearts of players and speedrunners alike. These titles are a testament to how platformers continue to evolve while staying true to their roots.

Developers are also embracing the speedrunning community. Many games now include features like in-game timers, leaderboards, and “speedrun modes” to cater to this passionate audience. Some even hide Easter eggs or rewards for players who beat the game within a certain time limit.

Why We Love Watching Speedrunners

So, why has speedrunning platformers become such a massive global phenomenon? The answer lies in the perfect mix of skill, creativity, and community. Watching a speedrunner isn’t just about seeing someone go fast – it’s about witnessing mastery in action. It’s about seeing games pushed to their absolute limits and feeling inspired to try something new yourself.

Speedrunning isn’t just a hobby; it’s a testament to the creativity and resilience of gamers. It reminds us that games aren’t just about following the rules – they’re about breaking them in the most spectacular ways possible.

The Future of Speedrunning

If the past few years are any indication, speedrunning platformers aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. As games become more complex and technology continues to advance, the possibilities for speedrunning will only grow.

But one thing will always remain constant: the passion of the players. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a seasoned runner, the speedrunning community welcomes anyone willing to put in the time and effort.