The Games Done Quick Speedrun Marathon Will Be Held in Europe for the First Time
Since its start, the charitable speedrun marathon Games Done Quick has always taken place in the United States. In 2026, however, this will change: GDQ will be folded into the gamescom event in Germany. The run lasts three days — Aug. 28–30 — and applications to appear will be open May 4–17.
GDQ gathers skilled players who race through games while viewers donate; the money goes to charities, e.g., Doctors Without Borders and the Prevent Cancer Foundation. Since 2010 participants and audiences have raised more than $60 million. For the August edition, funds will be earmarked for the Gaming for Democracy initiative, which aims to encourage civic engagement through gaming culture (i.e., events and outreach that connect players with democratic participation).
According to gamescom director Tim Endres, the partnership felt natural. "Here, like nowhere else, you get why people come together around games — the thrill of a run, the laughs, and that impulse to creatively bend the rules." A candid take; not just PR, you could say.
gamescom itself will take over Cologne from Aug. 26 to Aug. 30. A day before things kick off, Geoff Keighley and his team will put on Opening Night Live, with announcements and trailers — expect the usual mix of reveals and fan chatter.
Also read
- Summer Games Done Quick speedrun marathon donated $2.4 million to charity (July 14, 2025)
- Games Done Quick 2025 speedrun marathon raised $2.5 million to fight cancer (January 13, 2025)