Which passage from the Article best supports the idea that the money collected through Games Done Quick is being used to solve real-world problems?
But why are people so excited to watch others play video games instead of, say, playing themselves? There are several factors at play (pun intended) here. One is community interaction. Viewers aren't expected to be silent spectators in speedrunning events. Take the GDQ "couch." It's just like it sounds: a living room couch where other runners and the host sit behind the player of the game.
GDQ pioneered the streaming-for-charity movement and continues to host biannual speedrunning marathons: Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ) in June and Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) in January. The events bring players and fans together to fundraise for various charities. Money raised by SGDQ goes to Doctors Without Borders. The organization sends doctors to poverty-stricken areas of the world. AGDQ raises money for the Prevent Cancer Foundation, a group that focuses on outreach and cancer research.
The experts who play the games in these events are volunteers. They're essentially donating their time and video game talents. And they've often spent years mastering their technique. Called speedrunners (or just runners), these gamers attempt to play through an entire game (or level) as quickly as humanly possible in order to break records and encourage viewers to donate. Just how quickly, you ask? One runner once played—and won—the entire game of Super Mario Bros. in 4 minutes, 55 seconds!
Another bonus for viewers? Everyday gamers can learn strategies and tricks from the experts to improve their own game play. Both beginners and skilled players can learn moves and shortcuts that enable them to conquer their favorite games more quickly and efficiently.