Summer Games Done Quick 2026, the annual charity speedrunning event, is still underway, with its most anticipated runs typically scheduled for the final two days. However, the event has already featured a wealth of impressive and humorous runs that are worth revisiting. The speedrunning marathon, which benefits a charity and concludes on Saturday, July 11th, has showcased a diverse range of games and skilled performances.
Among the highlights is a precision-focused Any% run of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. The player, Dr4gonBlitz, concentrated on efficient movement and combat tactics rather than collecting all items. A critical trick required reaching a specific room in Dracula's castle within a very tight time window, demanding near-perfect platforming. This demanding execution made for a tense yet engaging viewing experience.
Another notable run featured Don't Stop, Girlypop!, a first-person shooter with movement mechanics reminiscent of Titanfall 2. The game is characterized by its irreverent tone, featuring items like shark-adorned pink shotguns that shoot hearts and difficulty settings with humorous names. Despite its influences from the "boomer shooter" genre, its aesthetic is a vibrant mix of bubblegum pop music and neon pink.
Gordon & Daxter offered a unique twist on a familiar title. This run merged the PS1 platformer Jak & Daxter with the Half-Life 2 Source Engine, replacing Jak with Gordon Freeman. The performance was noted for its jovial atmosphere, with the runner and commentators engaging in jokes throughout.
Dunkadillo, a charming platformer, presents deceptively simple early levels that gradually increase in difficulty. Players control round armadillos navigating through stages with a mix of bouncing, rolling, and button presses. A particularly memorable element involves launching the player character through a basketball hoop at the end of each level.
A more intense experience was provided by Hollow Knight: Silksong. In this Metroidvania roguelike, runner mathulu aimed for a speedrun while also collecting all thirty hidden "fleas," described as adorable puppy-like creatures. The difficulty of reaching these collectibles, often hidden in challenging locations, required precise platforming. The successful discovery of each flea was met with an "Awoo-ing" chorus from the audience and commentators.
The "Silly Block" segment, a tradition at Games Done Quick events dedicated to quirky or humorous games, included Manual Samuel. This title combines the challenging controls of QWOP with narration in the style of The Stanley Parable. The gameplay involves individually controlling Samuel's actions, including blinking, while a narrator comments on the player's progress and skips.
Summer Games Done Quick also made history by featuring its first analog game on the main stage: Total Nuclear Annihilation, a pinball cabinet. Player Ryan McSquid had to destroy nine nuclear reactors before running out of balls. The run, completed in under 20 minutes, showcased high-level pinball play. Following the main run, McSquid performed a more unconventional challenge using a wooden spoon and whisk to control the flippers.
For Sonic fans, a race of Sonic Dream Team provided a colorful and personality-filled experience. Scottish runner Argick's rapid-fire commentary accompanied a display of the game's focus on continuous speed and fluid movement. The run highlighted the game's vibrant level design and speed-focused gameplay, though its availability exclusively through Apple Arcade was noted with disappointment.
These selections represent just a portion of the notable performances from Summer Games Done Quick 2026. Further highlights are expected as the event continues.