Dying Speedrun

Jane Haynes

2 min read

·

28-12-2024

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The "dying speedrun" isn't your typical speedrunning category. Instead of striving for a flawless victory, it embraces death as a core mechanic, aiming to complete a game while dying as many times as possible, or even as quickly as possible. This seemingly paradoxical genre presents unique challenges and a surprisingly captivating viewing experience.

The Allure of Failure

While traditional speedruns celebrate mastery and precision, the dying speedrun flips the script. The focus shifts from optimization to intentional self-sabotage, a bizarre yet oddly satisfying spectacle for both runners and viewers. This subversion of expectations taps into a specific type of dark humor, celebrating the chaotic and often frustrating aspects of gaming that players usually try to avoid.

Technical Skill vs. Calculated Inefficiency

Ironically, dying speedruns still require a high level of skill. While the goal is to die frequently, runners need a deep understanding of the game's mechanics to reliably trigger death in a timely manner. They must exploit glitches, navigate tricky platforming sections with precision (to die precisely where and when needed), or even manipulate enemy AI to achieve optimal death rates. The challenge lies not in avoiding death, but in controlling it.

Variations on a Theme

The “dying speedrun” isn't a monolithic category. Different games lend themselves to different approaches. Some might focus on dying as quickly as possible in a single level, while others might aim for the maximum number of deaths before reaching the game's end. The specific rules and goals often vary depending on the game and the runner's creativity. This flexibility contributes to the genre's unique appeal.

Beyond the Glitch: The Psychological Aspect

Dying speedruns, in a peculiar way, can be considered a form of performance art. The act of intentionally failing repeatedly touches on our own relationship with failure, highlighting the absurdity and resilience inherent in the act of playing games. It’s a fascinating exploration of the player-game dynamic, turning a typically frustrating aspect of gaming into a source of entertainment and self-expression.

The Future of Dying Speedruns

As the speedrunning community continues to evolve, so too will its subgenres. The dying speedrun remains a niche but surprisingly robust category, constantly pushing the boundaries of what constitutes a "speedrun" and challenging our preconceived notions of success and failure in gaming. It's a genre that deserves more attention, not just for its inherent entertainment value, but for its unique insight into the player-game relationship.