Games Done Quick (GDQ) founder and general manager, Mike Uyuma, has announced that after the Awesome Games Done Quick Online event in 2023, he will step down and “take a break”. GDQ’s current director of operations, Matt Merkle, will take over the role.
The first Games Done Quick event took place in 2010 and was broadcast from the basement of Uyuma’s mother’s house. In the 13 years since, the organization has raised more than $41 million for charities, including the Prevent Cancer Foundation and Doctors Without Borders.
The various Games Done Quick events have attracted attention over the years for showcasing some remarkable feats of speed running, and the unusual and sometimes bizarre approaches (opens in new tab) who use speedrunners for everything from Half-Life to Minecraft. A particularly memorable event was last year the debut of a custom Zelda build (opens in new tab)which was really wonderful.
“Since I started Games Done Quick, I’ve watched it grow from a small volunteer effort to the thriving organization it is today,” said Uyama. “I couldn’t have done it without Matt Merkle’s help and the growth of GDQ wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the speedrunning community, which has grown both in size and diversity over the years. I know not where I’m going, but one thing I know for sure: I’ll take a break and go on vacation before diving into my next adventure.”
It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Mike Uyama, Founder of GDQ, will step down after AGDQ 2023. Without Mike, GDQ would not be what it is today and we thank him for all he has done to move our community forward. information go to: https://t.co/fLQMvAPKs7January 5, 2023
Awesome Games Done Quick Online 2023, airing January 8-15 on the organization’s Twitch channelwill be Uyuma’s final event, with proceeds going to the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
“I am incredibly honored that Uyama entrusts GDQ with the future and will do everything in my power to build on the foundation he has laid for the organization from the start,” said Merkle. “It’s incredible to see how much we’ve grown from a group of friends in a basement to a company of over 50 employees, raising millions of dollars for charity! I look forward to working with the speedrunning community and our employees moving forward, and I hope to lead GDQ to new fundraising records!”