Summer Games Done Quick 2025 Raises $2.4 Million for Humanitarian Aid

The Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ) event held from July 7 to July 13, 2025, successfully raised $2,436,614 for Doctors Without Borders, marking a significant achievement in fundraising through the speedrunning community. This year’s event, hosted in Minneapolis, attracted 2,600 in-person attendees and saw a remarkable 37,776 donations, showcasing the continued growth and engagement of the speedrunning culture.

According to the official Games Done Quick (GDQ) press release dated July 13, 2025, the highest single contribution was a noteworthy $61,200 donation, underscoring the generosity of the community. The event featured a variety of speedrunning feats, including a competitive relay race involving two teams of four that aimed to complete a Super Mario Maker 2 level and a full playthrough of Donkey Kong Jungle Beat using the unique DK Bongos controller. The excitement was palpable, particularly during the AEW Fight Night Forever speedrun, which captivated the audience and concluded in around 40 minutes.

The SGDQ event not only provided entertainment but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among participants and viewers alike. "The community really comes together for these events, and it’s inspiring to see what we can achieve together for a good cause," stated Kevin Henson, Executive Director of Games Done Quick, in an official statement on the organization's website.

The event's success can also be attributed to the extensive online reach of the GDQ Twitch channel, which has archived all speedruns for viewers who missed the live show. This accessibility allows fans worldwide to partake in the experience, further boosting engagement and donations.

In addition to the immediate success of SGDQ 2025, Games Done Quick has announced future events, including Flame Fatales, scheduled for September 7 to 14, 2025, which will feature an all-women and femmes speedrunning showcase. Following that, the organization will introduce its first-ever Games Done Queer event from October 31 to November 2, 2025, aimed at promoting inclusivity within the gaming community.

The implications of SGDQ's success extend beyond just monetary donations. According to Dr. Emily Thompson, a sociologist at the University of California, Berkeley, and author of the 2024 study published in the Journal of Community Engagement, events like SGDQ play a crucial role in bringing diverse communities together for social causes.

"The ability of niche communities to mobilize and fundraise for humanitarian efforts is a testament to the power of collective action in the digital age," Dr. Thompson remarked during a recent interview.

The fundraising achievements of SGDQ also highlight a broader trend within the gaming industry, wherein events centered around gaming culture increasingly contribute to charitable efforts. This year’s total surpasses last year’s SGDQ, which raised approximately $2.3 million, demonstrating a steady upward trajectory in donations.

In conclusion, the success of Summer Games Done Quick 2025 not only underscores the gaming community's commitment to social responsibility but also sets a precedent for future charitable initiatives within the industry. As the organization prepares for upcoming events, the expectation is that the momentum generated will continue to inspire and mobilize gamers and fans alike, fostering a culture of giving and support in the years to come.