Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) 2025 is set to feature a groundbreaking performance of Sega’s Dreamcast classic Crazy Taxi accompanied by a live backing band. This innovative addition headlines the upcoming charity speedrunning marathon, scheduled for January 5-12 in Pittsburgh, with proceeds benefiting the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
The unprecedented Crazy Taxi musical showcase, slated for January 11 at 4:48 PM ET, promises to elevate the already energetic gameplay with real-time instrumental accompaniment. This creative evolution builds upon a successful trial run at Summer Games Done Quick 2024, where the band performed alongside a recorded speedrun, offering viewers a taste of what’s to come in this fully live iteration.
AGDQ 2025’s venue, the Wyndham Grand in downtown Pittsburgh, will host an impressive lineup of speedrunning talent tackling both beloved classics and contemporary favorites. The event kicks off strong with a speedrun of the PlayStation hit Astro Bot on January 5 at 6:30 PM ET. Gaming enthusiasts can look forward to an early morning showcase of Pokémon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire on January 11 at 8:18 AM ET, followed by a nostalgic journey through The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’s Wii port later that afternoon at 4 PM ET.
The organization’s return to Pittsburgh follows last year’s remarkable success, where the event raised $2.5 million for cancer prevention research. AGDQ 2024 delivered several memorable moments, including a nail-biting no-hit run of Resident Evil 2 (2019), an innovative Super Mario 64 speedrun performed on an electric drum kit, and a heartwarming performance featuring Peanut Butter, a talented canine assistant who helped their owner conquer the NES classic Gyromite.
These achievements are part of a larger legacy of charitable gaming. Since its inception 15 years ago, Games Done Quick has emerged as a powerhouse in gaming-focused fundraising, generating an impressive $51.8 million for various charitable causes. This remarkable figure underscores the growing influence of gaming communities in philanthropic efforts and their ability to channel passion for video games into meaningful social impact.
The evolution of AGDQ from a niche gaming event to a major charitable force reflects broader changes in how entertainment and philanthropy intersect in the digital age. The addition of live musical performances to speedrunning demonstrates the organization’s commitment to innovation while maintaining its core mission of supporting important causes through gaming excellence.
For those unable to attend in person, the entire event will be streamed live on Twitch, allowing viewers worldwide to participate in this unique celebration of gaming culture and charitable giving. The streaming format has been crucial to AGDQ’s success, creating a global community of supporters who contribute through donations and spread awareness about cancer prevention.
The decision to feature Crazy Taxi with live musical accompaniment particularly resonates with the event’s spirit of pushing boundaries while honoring gaming history. The Dreamcast title, known for its high-energy soundtrack and frenetic gameplay, provides an ideal canvas for this experimental format, potentially setting a precedent for future gaming events.
As registration remains open for in-person attendance, AGDQ 2025 is poised to continue its tradition of breaking new ground in both speedrunning entertainment and charitable fundraising. The combination of skilled gameplay, live music, and community engagement promises to make this iteration another milestone in the organization’s impressive history of turning gaming expertise into forces for positive change.
The event stands as a testament to the gaming community’s ability to continuously reinvent itself while maintaining focus on its charitable mission, proving that the intersection of entertainment and philanthropy can produce extraordinary results. As January approaches, anticipation builds for what could be another record-breaking chapter in the Games Done Quick story.
Add Comment