
Gamers once again prove that speed and heart go hand-in-hand. During the first full week of July 2025, the Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ) marathon brought in over $2.4 million in donations for Doctors Without Borders, continuing its legacy as one of the most impactful gaming charity events of the year. Running from July 6 to July 13, SGDQ 2025 featured an incredible lineup of speedruns, from iconic retro titles like Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Super Metroid to beloved modern games such as Deltarune. The event kicked off with an impressive run of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, completed by speedrunner SuperSonic in under 38 minutes, setting the tone for a high-energy, high-donation week.
This year’s total donation is closely in line with the amount raised during Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) 2025, which collected funds for the Prevent Cancer Foundation back in January. The two mainline GDQ marathons—AGDQ and SGDQ—represent the cornerstone of Games Done Quick’s annual charity efforts.
More Than Just Two Marathons
Beyond its headline events, Games Done Quick hosts a number of smaller showcases throughout the year. Events like Flame Fatales, a women-led speedrun marathon, and Black In A Flash, which celebrates Black speedrunners and creators, continue to expand GDQ’s mission of inclusivity and outreach.
GDQ has also shown its commitment to humanitarian relief by organizing impromptu fundraising marathons, such as the one held in response to Hurricane Helene in 2024. These pop-up events emphasize the organization’s adaptability and dedication to urgent global causes.
A Longstanding Partnership
SGDQ has been supporting Doctors Without Borders since 2013. The nonprofit delivers emergency medical care to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. While SGDQ 2025 didn’t surpass its all-time donation record of $3 million in 2022, it still stands as one of the most successful gaming charity events this year. All runs were broadcast live on Twitch, with full replays and highlight videos now available on the Games Done Quick YouTube channel, allowing fans and newcomers alike to relive the best moments.
Whether you’re a fan of classic speedruns or simply inspired by gamers doing good, Summer Games Done Quick 2025 was a shining example of how the gaming community can come together to create real-world impact.