Are Speedrunners the Purest Gamers?

A special group of gamers has emerged: speedrunners. These gamers aren't just passionate about games, they're obsessed with them-and by obsessed, we mean ...

completely consumed by them. The question that often arises is: Are speedrunners the purest gamers? Let's delve into this fascinating topic to understand their mindset and approach to gaming.

1. Understanding Speedrunning
2. The Obsession of Speedrunning
3. Uniqueness of Speedrunning as a Gaming Subculture
4. The Philosophy of Play: A Deep Dive
5. Are Speedrunners Pure Gamers?

1.) Understanding Speedrunning

Before we delve deeper into whether speedrunners can be considered pure gamers, it’s essential to define what exactly a speedrun is. A speedrun involves playing through a game as quickly as possible without cheating or taking unnecessary risks, aiming for the shortest time possible while still completing all necessary objectives and challenges within the game.

2.) The Obsession of Speedrunning

The obsession that characterizes speedrunners stems from their love for the games they play. For these gamers, every second counts when it comes to experiencing a game. This focus on efficiency not only makes them competitive but also fosters an intense dedication to mastering each aspect of the game mechanics and levels.

3.) Uniqueness of Speedrunning as a Gaming Subculture

Speedrunning is a unique subculture within gaming because it combines elements of both competition and artistry. Unlike traditional competitive gaming where players aim for victory, speedrunners are more concerned with completing games in record time. This dual nature allows them to explore the depths of each game they play, pushing boundaries set by designers and even themselves.

4.) The Philosophy of Play: A Deep Dive

To truly understand why some might consider speedrunners the purest gamers, we must delve into what philosophers call "the philosophy of play." Philosophers such as Jürgen Habermas and Roger Caillois have explored various aspects of play and games, arguing that they serve multiple functions beyond mere entertainment. These include social interaction, mental engagement, and even cultural expression.

- Social Interaction: Speedrunning communities are tightly knit, providing a platform for camaraderie and support among like-minded individuals. They share strategies, discuss game mechanics, and help each other improve, fostering strong bonds through shared passion.

- Mental Engagement: Engaging in speedruns requires intense focus, strategic thinking, and often, breaking down complex game systems to understand how they function together. This mental engagement is a significant part of why some people find these activities fulfilling.

- Cultural Expression: Speedrunning isn’t just about beating games; it's also about interpreting them in unique ways. Each speedrun represents an interpretation or even redefinition of the game, making it a form of cultural expression that can be as diverse as the gamers themselves.

5.) Are Speedrunners Pure Gamers?

The label of "purest gamer" implies a deep and pure engagement with gaming itself, untainted by extrinsic factors such as winning or competition. By this measure, speedrunners could indeed be considered among the purest gam

Are Speedrunners the Purest Gamers?