The crowds will once again cheer ‘orb’
Speedrunning charity event Games Done Quick is bringing back the audience. GDQ confirms that Summer Games Done Quick 2022 will be taking place in person this year, on June 26 through July 3.
The event will take place in Bloomington, Minnesota, and benefit Doctors Without Borders. The full COVID safety policy will be posted on March 21, but Games Done Quick confirms that proof of vaccination will be required. KN95 / N95 masks are also required in event areas and on stream.
GDQ is reducing the event cap, as well as practicing social distancing. Organizers are also asking attendees to stick to two people to a room at the hotel. Games Done Quick says it will continue to evaluate, and may adjust policies or cancel all in-person plans in response to COVID-19 developments.
It's finally time!! 🎉 #SGDQ2022 will be taking place IN PERSON June 26th through July 3rd
Game submissions will be open from March 21st to March 30th
*Vaccination & masks will be required, COVID-19 safety details can be found on our websitehttps://t.co/Gja49USRny
— Games Done Quick @ #SGDQ2024 (@GamesDoneQuick) March 18, 2022
Also, some on-site activities will not return this summer. GDQ specifically cites the board game room and panels. Submissions for the speedrunning event open on March 21. If distance is desired, GDQ says it is also accepting a limited number of remote runs.
It’s a lot of safeties and precautions, which is honestly reassuring. Of the many live events that had to adapt to the pandemic, GDQ pulled it off well. The speedrunning charity organization hosted several GDQ events remotely to great success. Going remote has even made it easier to spotlight some interesting runs, like the Half-Life: Alyx VR run and multiple rhythm game showcases.
Still, I’ve admittedly missed the crowds. There’s something different about hearing the cheers, chants, and laughter from the crowd throughout each week. It’s nice to see SGDQ returning to an in-person as best it can, while taking precautions along the way. Hopefully all goes well and we can see some masked onlookers cheering on speedrunners once June rolls around.
