Games Done Quick Founder Exits Organization

The first Games Done Quick speedrunning event took place in 2010. The location might surprise you, considering how successful the organization is now though. Mike Uyama, the founder of Games Done Quick, ran the event out of his mother’s basement, kicking off an organization that has raised more than $41 million in 13 years. Now, it seems Mike Uyama is on to a new adventure.

As announced yesterday, Mike Uyama will be departing the organization on good terms, leaving it in the hands of its current Director of Operations, Matt Merkle. Merkle will take over Uyama’s role as Managing Director and Owner of Games Done Quick, which raises funds several times a year for charities such as the Prevent Cancer Foundation and Doctors Without Borders. Games Done Quick is currently looking for an Assistant Manager to help with Merkle’s previous duties.

It's with a heavy heart that we announce Mike Uyama, GDQ founder, will be stepping down after AGDQ 2023.

Without Mike, GDQ wouldn't be what it is today and we thank him for everything he's done to move our community forward.

For more information head to: https://t.co/fLQMvAPKs7

— Games Done Quick (@GamesDoneQuick) January 5, 2023

Mike Uyama commented on the departure, stating: “Since I started Games Done Quick, I’ve seen it grow from a small volunteer effort to the thriving organization that it is today. I would not have been able to do it without the help of Matt Merkle and the growth of GDQ would not have been possible without the help of the speedrunning community, which has grown both in size and diversity over the years. I’m not sure where I’ll go next, but one thing I am sure about is that I will take a break and a vacation before diving headfirst into my next adventure.”

Merkle also discussed the organization’s past and bright future ahead, commenting: “I feel incredibly honored to be entrusted with the future of GDQ by Uyama, and will do everything I can to build upon the foundation he has built for the organization since its inception. I would not be where I am today without Mike and the team he has built.

It’s incredible to see how much we’ve grown, transitioning from a group of friends in a basement to a company with over 50 staff members, raising millions of dollars for charity! I look forward to working with the speedrunning community and our staff going forward, and I hope to lead GDQ to new fundraising records!”

Uyama’s final event in his current position will be Awesome Games Done Quick Online 2023. You can tune into the event from January 8^th to January 15^th on the official Games Done Quick Twitch Channel. Even if you don’t follow the organization itself, if you like speedrunning I’d encourage you to give it a watch. There is something special about seeing the community come together and rally around raising money for charity.

The complete #agdq2023 schedule is now live! Check out the new runs and let us know which ones you're looking forward to most!https://t.co/p3OBf2RqC5

New runners: important information will be emailed to you tonight, make sure to follow the instructions!

— Games Done Quick (@GamesDoneQuick) November 20, 2022