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Are Glitches Allowed in Speedruns? A Deep Dive into the World of Fast Gaming

The answer is a resounding: it depends. Whether glitches are allowed in a speedrun hinges entirely on the category of the speedrun and the rules set by the specific speedrunning community for that game. Some categories embrace glitches with open arms, while others strictly forbid them. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of speedrunning and explore the nuanced relationship between glitches and record-breaking runs.

Understanding Speedrunning Categories

The key to understanding the permissibility of glitches lies in understanding the different categories of speedruns. These categories dictate the rules and restrictions placed on the runner. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common categories:

Any%: This is arguably the most popular category. The goal is simple: beat the game as quickly as possible, using any means necessary. Glitches, sequence breaks, and exploits are not only allowed but often actively encouraged. The wilder the glitch, the more exciting the run! Any% runs often showcase incredible ingenuity and a deep understanding of the game’s code and mechanics.
100%: This category requires the runner to complete everything within the game. This often involves collecting all items, completing all quests, and unlocking all secrets. Glitches are usually permitted if they speed up the completion of these tasks, but they cannot be used to skip entire sections of content required for 100% completion.
Glitchless: As the name suggests, this category prohibits the use of glitches. Runners must complete the game using only the intended mechanics and without exploiting any unintended behaviors. Glitchless runs often showcase a deep mastery of the game’s intended gameplay.
Low%: This category challenges runners to beat the game with as little progress as possible. This often means minimizing item collection, avoiding optional areas, and exploiting glitches to skip large portions of the game.
Specific Restrictions: Some categories have very specific restrictions, such as no out-of-bounds glitches, no major skips, or no using a particular item or ability. These categories are often created to explore alternative ways to play the game or to provide a unique challenge.

The Ethics and Acceptance of Glitches

The use of glitches in speedrunning is a topic of ongoing discussion and debate within the community. Some argue that glitches are an integral part of the speedrunning experience, showcasing ingenuity and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Others believe that glitches trivialize the game and detract from the intended gameplay.

However, most speedrunners agree that the most important aspect is transparency. Runners should always clearly state which category they are running and adhere to the rules set by the community. If a runner uses a glitch, they should be upfront about it and explain how it works.

The Hunt for Glitches and Exploits

The discovery and utilization of glitches in speedrunning is a collaborative effort.

Glitch Hunters

There are individuals, known as glitch hunters, who specifically dedicate their time to searching for errors and unintended behaviors within games. They often share their findings with the broader speedrunning community.

Speedrunners

Speedrunners will often stumble upon glitches and exploits during their practice runs.

These discoveries can lead to significant breakthroughs and drastically reduce completion times.

Glitches vs. Exploits: What’s the Difference?

While often used interchangeably, there’s a subtle distinction between glitches and exploits in the speedrunning context.

Glitches generally refer to errors in the game’s code or design that result in unintended or unexpected behavior.

Exploits, on the other hand, are more about using intended game mechanics in unintended ways to gain an advantage. An “exploit” is “unintended behavior performed using the intended mechanics of the game”. There is no malfunction; everything is functioning as intended, just being used in unintended ways.

The Historical Context: Twin Galaxies and Beyond

The attitude toward glitches in speedrunning has evolved over time. In the early days of arcade gaming, Twin Galaxies, one of the first organizations to track high scores and speedruns, generally disallowed the use of glitches and sequence breaks. However, as speedrunning evolved and moved to home consoles and PCs, the community became more open to embracing glitches, especially in categories like Any%.

Why Allow Glitches? The Benefits of Glitch-Based Speedrunning

There are several reasons why glitches are embraced in some speedrunning communities:

Innovation and Creativity: Glitches often require a deep understanding of the game’s code and mechanics. Finding and utilizing glitches can be a creative and innovative process.
Entertainment Value: Glitch-filled speedruns can be incredibly entertaining to watch. The unexpected and often bizarre behavior of the game can be both humorous and awe-inspiring.
Pushing Boundaries: Glitches allow runners to push the boundaries of what’s possible within the game. They can create new challenges and opportunities for record-breaking runs.
Community Engagement: The discovery and sharing of glitches foster a sense of community and collaboration among speedrunners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Glitches in Speedrunning

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the role of glitches in speedrunning:

1. What is a “credits warp” in speedrunning?

A “credits warp” is a glitch that allows the runner to trigger the game’s credits sequence prematurely, effectively ending the game. This often requires arbitrary code execution (ACE), a complex technique that allows runners to inject their own code into the game’s memory.

2. Are cheat codes allowed in speedruns?

Generally, no. Cheat codes are typically disallowed in speedruns. The use of external tools or modifications to the game is also prohibited.

3. Can I get banned for using glitches in a game?

It depends on the game and the context. In online multiplayer games, using glitches to gain an unfair advantage over other players can lead to a ban. However, in single-player games, using glitches is generally not prohibited, unless it violates the game’s terms of service.

4. What is “splitting” in speedrunning?

“Splitting” refers to dividing the game into segments and timing each segment separately. This allows runners to track their progress and identify areas where they can improve.

5. Is it illegal to create cheat codes or hacks for video games?

It depends on the nature of the cheat code or hack. Creating cheat codes for personal use is generally not illegal. However, distributing cheat codes or hacks that violate copyright laws or allow players to gain an unfair advantage in online games can be illegal.

6. How do speedrunners find glitches?

Speedrunners find glitches through a combination of methods, including: experimentation, code analysis, and community sharing. Some individuals specialize in glitch hunting and share their discoveries with the speedrunning community.

7. What is the oldest known cheat code?

An early cheat code can be found in Manic Miner, where typing “6031769” (based on Matthew Smith’s driving license) enables the cheat mode.

8. Why are some speedruns “disqualified”?

Speedruns can be disqualified for various reasons, including: cheating, violating the rules of the category, or failing to provide sufficient evidence of the run’s legitimacy.

9. Can you pause or take breaks during a speedrun?

Whether you can pause or take breaks during a speedrun depends on the rules of the specific community or event. Some runs must be completed in a single sitting, while others allow for breaks.

10. What game is known for having the most cheaters?

Among Us has a high number of cheaters.

11. What are the legal implications of cheating in video games?

Cheating in video games can have legal implications, particularly if it involves copyright infringement, contract violations, or computer fraud.

12. What is a “sequence break” in speedrunning?

A “sequence break” is a glitch or exploit that allows the runner to skip a required part of the game or complete tasks in an unintended order.

13. Are tool-assisted speedruns (TAS) considered legitimate?

Tool-assisted speedruns (TAS) are not typically considered legitimate for record-keeping purposes. TAS runs utilize emulator features such as save states and frame advance to create perfect runs that are impossible for human players to achieve.

14. What is “arbitrary code execution” (ACE)?

Arbitrary Code Execution (ACE) is a type of exploit that allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a target machine. In speedrunning, ACE is typically achieved through vulnerabilities in the game’s code or memory management.

15. Where can I learn more about the theory behind games and learning?

You can learn more about the theory behind games and learning at websites like Games Learning Society. Here is the official URL: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Speedrunning

The question of whether glitches are allowed in speedruns is not a simple one. It depends on the specific game, the category of the run, and the rules set by the speedrunning community. However, one thing is certain: glitches play a significant role in the world of speedrunning, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and fostering a culture of innovation and creativity. As games continue to evolve, so too will the techniques and strategies used by speedrunners, and glitches will likely remain a key part of the equation.

Are glitches allowed in speedruns?