Speedrunning, the art of completing video games as fast as possible, has taken the gaming community by storm, creating exciting events and mods transforming how players interact with their favorite titles. One notable upcoming event is the Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) 2025 charity speedrunning marathon, scheduled from January 5 to January 12, 2025, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. This week-long extravaganza brings together passionate gamers and fans alike to raise funds for the Prevent Cancer Foundation, showcasing top-tier gameplay and creativity.
The AGDQ schedule is packed with impressive runs, featuring various games across multiple genres. Among the highlighted games is the horror-themed Alan Wake 2, where one of the talented speedrunners, known as SweetPeebs, aims to complete the Night Springs DLC within 40 minutes. Displaying impressive skill, SweetPeebs exemplifies the dedication and speedrunning techniques perfected over countless hours of gameplay.
The event will showcase not just Alan Wake 2, but other popular titles as well. Speedrunners will take on Elden Ring, Lies of P, Flushed Away, and the classic The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. With each speedrun varying in length from about 20 minutes to several hours, many runners will attempt to finish approximately one hour of gameplay, demonstrating their mastery of these beloved titles.
But AGDQ isn't just about seeing iconic games played quickly. Some runs will feature unique challenges, capturing the creativity of the speedrunning community. One notable example is the Fallout: New Vegas 'Romances' run, where participants will attempt to navigate through the game’s unconventional dating scenarios. Instead of traditional romantic interactions, players will encounter one-night stands, adding quirky humor to the speedrunning atmosphere.
Alongside these exciting speedrunning events, the gaming community is also witnessing innovative modding efforts, like those orchestrated by streamer Blurbs, who infuses sheer chaos and fun. Blurbs took on the challenge of modding Red Dead Redemption 2, turning the open-world western adventure game on its head. By increasing the speed of all carriages, the mod creates uproarious scenarios where everything seems to fly off the rails—literally.
Inspired by Australian comedian Tom Walker's GTA 4 mod, Blurbs transformed the typically methodical and slow-paced interactions of Red Dead Redemption 2—including horse-drawn carriages—into rapid-fire mayhem. Imagine riding through the streets of Saint Denis where every horse-drawn carriage whips by like it’s on rocket fuel, all the chaos ensues as Blurbs attempts to navigate the game. Blurbs' antics have taken viewers by storm, as they maneuver through wild environments filled with speeding carriages, much to the amusement of the audience online.
The mod's effect extends to every aspect of gameplay, even impacting Arthur Morgan's own carriages. Viewers watch hilariously as things take unexpected turns—one moment, Arthur is gallantly approaching a location, and the next, they’re crashing at full speed, leading to comedic disasters. Blurbs’ antics blend skillful gameplay with humor, drawing fans who enjoy both the game and the chaotic unpredictability of the mod.
Although the fast traffic Red Dead Redemption 2 mod isn’t currently available for public use, it’s this kind of creative spirit and radical experimentation within the gaming community that's indicative of the broader culture surrounding speedrunning and mods. It showcases how players are continuously pushing boundaries and bringing new life to their favorite titles.
AGDQ 2025 and mods like Blurbs' Red Dead Redemption 2 experiment highlight the twin aspects of the gaming world—competitive speedrun events and the whimsical creativity of altering gameplay. Fans of both can look forward to witnessing deconstructed gameplay experiences and cheering on their favorite runners as they showcase their skills for charity.
So, whether it’s speeding through the eerie landscapes of Alan Wake 2 or racing down the chaotic streets of Red Dead Redemption 2, the gaming community continues to thrill and engage through speedrunning events and innovative mods. With each run providing unique entertainment, the anticipation builds for what AGDQ 2025 has to offer. Who knows what spectacular and hilarious moments await viewers as they tune in to the exhilarating action?