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After 13 years, Games Done Quick founder Mike Uyama departs from organization

Matt Merkle will oversee the speed running event's operations as owner and managing director going forward

Speed running organization Games Done Quick (GDQ) has announced that its founder, Mike Uyama, is departing.

Uyama established the event in 2010, and to date, it has raised over $41 million in charitable donations.

His successor will be GDQ's director of operations, Matt Merkle, who assumes the owner and managing director role.

"Since I started Games Done Quick, I've seen it grow from a small volunteer effort to the thriving organization that it is today," said Uyama.

"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."

He added, "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."

Uyama's final event will be Awesome Games Done Quick Online 2023, which will take place from January 8 to 15.

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Jeffrey Rousseau avatar
Jeffrey Rousseau: Jeffrey joined GamesIndustry.biz in March 2021. Based in Florida, his work focused on the intersectionality of games and media. He enjoys reading, podcasts, staying informed, and learning how people are tackling issues.
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