For the first time ever, Games Done Quick (GDQ) will be a part of gamescom, the colossal gaming convention held in Cologne, Germany.
This landmark collaboration between the renowned speedrunning charity and the German event signifies GDQ’s inaugural presence on European soil, with a packed three-day schedule. The Games Done Quick gamescom 2026 event is set to commence on August 28th at 10 am CEST and will continue until 8 pm CEST daily.
All proceeds generated during the gamescom GDQ event will be channeled towards “Games for Democracy,” a program dedicated to leveraging gaming culture to champion democratic principles and foster civic engagement. This initiative was jointly established by BertelsmannStiftung, an organization focused on the common good and societal strengthening, and Stiftung Digitale Spiele Kultur, which emphasizes the positive societal contributions of gaming.
Ashley Farkas, Owner and Business Director at GDQ, expressed enthusiasm for this new alliance: “We are absolutely delighted to be expanding Games Done Quick’s reach globally and to host a live event at gamescom in Germany. This represents a deeply meaningful opportunity for our team. This partnership not only champions a fantastic cause but also opens doors for a greater number of runners to participate, particularly those who haven’t had the chance to travel to the US previously.”
Since its inception in 2010, GDQ has successfully raised over $60 million, supporting various charities worldwide through the power and camaraderie of speedrunning. Stefan Heikhaus, Head of gamescom, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Games Done Quick and gamescom are a perfect synergy. It’s here that the unique essence of gaming becomes palpable: the sense of community, the passion, the competitive spirit, and the sheer delight of playing games and innovatively pushing the boundaries of their rules. This is further enhanced by a commitment to social good. Consequently, gamescom GDQ stands as the ideal complement to the broader gamescom program.”
Attendees can experience gamescom Games Done Quick in person, and the event will also be broadcast live on GDQ’s official YouTube and Twitch channels. The gamescom convention will take place from August 26th to 30th, with the gamescom GDQ segment running from August 28th to 30th.
English Translation
Games Done Quick (GDQ) will be making its debut at gamescom, the massive gaming event held in Cologne, Germany.
This new partnership between the speedrunning charity and the German event marks the first time a GDQ event will be held on European shores, and it will feature three days of activities. The Games Done Quick gamescom 2026 event is scheduled to kick off on August 28th at 10 am CEST and will run until 8 pm CEST each day.
All funds collected during gamescom GDQ will benefit “Games for Democracy,” an initiative that utilizes gaming culture to support democratic values and civic engagement. “Games for Democracy” was established by BertelsmannStiftung, a foundation focused on the common good and societal strengthening, and Stiftung Digitale Spiele Kultur, which highlights how games can contribute to society. Runners can submit their applications starting May 4th.
Ashley Farkas, Owner and Business Director at GDQ, commented on the new collaboration: “We are thrilled to expand Games Done Quick globally and to bring a live event to gamescom in Germany, an opportunity that is incredibly meaningful to our team. This partnership not only supports an amazing initiative but also creates opportunities for more runners to participate, especially those who haven’t had the chance to travel to the US before.”
Since its founding in 2010, GDQ has raised over $60 million, assisting charities worldwide through the magic and community of speedrunning. Stefan Heikhaus, Head of gamescom, emphasized the shared appeal, stating, “Games Done Quick and gamescom are a perfect match: here, it becomes clear what makes gaming so special: the sense of community, the passion, the competition, but also simply the joy of playing games and creatively pushing the boundaries of the rules. Added to this is the social commitment. gamescom GDQ is therefore the ideal complement to the gamescom program.”
Gamescom Games Done Quick will be accessible for in-person viewing, and will also be streamed on GDQ’s YouTube and Twitch channels. gamescom runs from August 26th to 30th, with gamescom GDQ taking place from August 28th to 30th.