Speedrunning—the art of beating a game as fast as possible using skill, strategy, and glitches—has become one of the most popular ways to keep retro games alive. What started as a niche hobby has evolved into a global phenomenon, with players pushing the limits of classic games, uncovering hidden mechanics, and keeping older titles relevant through competition and community engagement.
From Super Mario Bros. to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, retro games remain at the center of the speedrunning world, proving that old-school titles can still deliver exciting new challenges even decades after their release. But how did speedrunning begin? Why do people dedicate years to perfecting single runs? And how does speedrunning help preserve gaming history?
Let’s explore the fascinating world of speedrunning, the techniques used, and how it continues to breathe new life into retro gaming.
The Origins of Speedrunning
The concept of finishing a game as fast as possible has existed since the early days of gaming, but speedrunning as a structured activity can be traced back to the 1990s. One of the first major speedrunning communities formed around Doom (1993), a game that included an in-game timer for level completion. Players started recording and sharing their fastest times, leading to the birth of structured speedrunning competitions.
In the early 2000s, Speed Demos Archive (SDA) became the main hub for sharing speedrun videos, allowing players to compare techniques and discover new strategies. Later, YouTube and Twitch revolutionized the scene, making speedrunning a spectator-friendly event and turning some speedrunners into gaming celebrities.
Today, speedrunning is a core part of gaming culture, with events like Games Done Quick (GDQ) raising millions for charity and attracting thousands of viewers eager to see records broken.
Why Speedrunning Keeps Retro Games Alive
1. Speedrunners Constantly Find New Tricks and Glitches
Many classic games were thought to be fully explored, but speedrunners constantly find new glitches, skips, and techniques that reveal hidden mechanics and developer oversights.
For example, in Super Mario Bros. (1985), players discovered that jumping backward into a pipe warps Mario to different levels, leading to one of the fastest game completions ever: 4 minutes and 54 seconds.
In The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998), speedrunners found a way to skip nearly the entire game using a glitch known as “Wrong Warp”, allowing them to complete it in under 7 minutes.
These discoveries keep retro games relevant, as runners constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible.
2. Speedrunning Preserves Forgotten Games
Many speedrunners specialize in obscure retro games, keeping them from being forgotten. Some NES and SNES titles that barely had a following when they were released have now gained dedicated communities because of speedrunning.
Examples include:
- Bible Adventures (NES, 1991) – Originally a poorly received game, but speedrunners discovered its mechanics allow for hilariously fast completions.
- Milon’s Secret Castle (NES, 1986) – A frustrating and obscure game that found new life as a speedrun challenge.
- Goof Troop (SNES, 1993) – A game few people remember but is now a co-op speedrunning favorite.
By focusing on underappreciated titles, speedrunners help preserve lesser-known retro games and introduce them to new audiences.
3. Speedrunning Communities Create Deep Game Knowledge
Speedrunning is more than just playing fast—it’s about understanding a game at the deepest level possible. Speedrunners often dig into a game’s coding, movement physics, and mechanics, leading to new discoveries about how old games function.
For example, in Super Metroid (SNES, 1994), players learned how to manipulate the game’s physics to perform “mockballing”, a technique that allows Samus to move faster than the developers intended.
This kind of research not only improves speedrunning but also helps with game preservation, as detailed knowledge of these old games ensures that their mechanics and quirks aren’t lost to time.
4. Speedrunning Makes Retro Games Fun to Watch
One of the biggest reasons speedrunning keeps retro games alive is because it makes them exciting to watch. Even games that people have played hundreds of times become thrilling when a runner attempts to beat a world record.
Speedrunning events like Games Done Quick (GDQ) attract millions of viewers, showcasing classic games being played at an elite level. Watching someone glitch through walls, perform frame-perfect jumps, or defeat a boss in seconds makes retro games feel fresh and exciting again.
5. Speedrunning Inspires Game Developers
Many indie developers today grew up watching speedruns of retro games, and they now design their own games with speedrunners in mind.
Some modern games that intentionally include speedrunning mechanics include:
- Celeste (2018) – Features a built-in timer and speedrun-friendly movement mechanics.
- Super Meat Boy (2010) – Designed with precise platforming techniques similar to classic speedrunning games.
- The Messenger (2018) – A game heavily influenced by Ninja Gaiden, with hidden paths and mechanics for speedrunners.
By inspiring new games, speedrunning ensures that the fast-paced, high-skill gameplay of the retro era continues in modern gaming.
Famous Speedrunning Records in Retro Games
Some of the most famous speedrun records include:
- Super Mario Bros. (NES, 1985) – Completed in 4 minutes, 54 seconds using warp zones and pixel-perfect jumps.
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64, 1998) – Beaten in 6 minutes, 53 seconds using the Wrong Warp glitch.
- Super Metroid (SNES, 1994) – 100% completion speedrun in 40 minutes, showcasing perfect movement and sequence breaking.
- Tetris: The Grand Master (Arcade, 1998) – Speedrunners play at inhuman speeds, making inputs faster than the game can visibly register.
The Future of Speedrunning and Retro Games
Speedrunning continues to evolve, with new tools, techniques, and community innovations emerging every year. Thanks to emulation, Twitch, and modern re-releases, speedrunning communities continue to grow, keeping classic games alive, relevant, and exciting.
As more players discover the joy of mastering old-school games, speedrunning will remain one of the most effective ways to celebrate and preserve retro gaming history. Whether it’s breaking world records or simply improving personal times, speedrunning proves that no game is ever truly finished—there’s always a faster way to play.
Final Thoughts
Speedrunning transforms retro gaming into a living, evolving challenge, keeping classic titles fresh for new and old players alike. Do you have a favorite speedrun or a game you’d love to see mastered? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts!