Speedrunning Community Comes Together for Back to Black 2026
On February 5, the speedrunning community is set to converge on Games Done Quick's platform as its highly anticipated event, Back to Black 2026, gets underway. Organized by the non-profit group Black in a Flash, this four-day extravaganza promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans of high-speed gameplay.
As fate would have it, Back to Black 2026 is conveniently timed to coincide with the start of Black History Month, highlighting the incredible talent that exists within the Black speedrunning community. The event's organizers had already teased a few standout runs from last year, including blistering performances on titles such as Hades II, Donkey Kong Country, and Silent Hill 4.
However, fans of speedrunning will be thrilled to discover that Back to Black 2026 boasts an incredibly diverse schedule, featuring everything from co-op runs through Plants vs Zombies: Replanted on the first day, to an Any% run of The Barbie Diaries: High School Mystery on February 6. This is a true celebration of speedrunning's boundless creativity and community spirit.
The event will be live-streamed exclusively on Games Done Quick's Twitch and YouTube channels from Thursday, February 5 through Sunday, February 8. With its charitable tie to Race Forward, a non-profit organization working tirelessly to address systemic racism across communities, Back to Black 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience that's equal parts thrilling gameplay and meaningful social impact.
On February 5, the speedrunning community is set to converge on Games Done Quick's platform as its highly anticipated event, Back to Black 2026, gets underway. Organized by the non-profit group Black in a Flash, this four-day extravaganza promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans of high-speed gameplay.
As fate would have it, Back to Black 2026 is conveniently timed to coincide with the start of Black History Month, highlighting the incredible talent that exists within the Black speedrunning community. The event's organizers had already teased a few standout runs from last year, including blistering performances on titles such as Hades II, Donkey Kong Country, and Silent Hill 4.
However, fans of speedrunning will be thrilled to discover that Back to Black 2026 boasts an incredibly diverse schedule, featuring everything from co-op runs through Plants vs Zombies: Replanted on the first day, to an Any% run of The Barbie Diaries: High School Mystery on February 6. This is a true celebration of speedrunning's boundless creativity and community spirit.
The event will be live-streamed exclusively on Games Done Quick's Twitch and YouTube channels from Thursday, February 5 through Sunday, February 8. With its charitable tie to Race Forward, a non-profit organization working tirelessly to address systemic racism across communities, Back to Black 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience that's equal parts thrilling gameplay and meaningful social impact.
I wonder what kinda preparation goes into getting ready for something like this? Like, how many hours of practice do these speedrunners need to clock in before the event? And have they been working together as a team or is it more individual stuff?
! The speedrunning community has always been super passionate about what they do, but I love how they're using Back to Black 2026 as a chance to shine a light on the amazing talent within their own ranks. It's not just about competing and trying to beat each other's times - it's also about celebrating creativity and collaboration. And let's be real, who doesn't want to watch some seriously talented people smash through games in record time? 
The fact that this event is tied to Black History Month is also a great way to amplify the voices of those often overlooked in mainstream gaming culture. I'm definitely tuning in to see what all the fuss is about and supporting the good causes behind it 
i mean what happened to all the new features games done quick used to have back in the day? now it's all just run after run of old titles no original content to speak of... and don't even get me started on the charity tie in its cute but let's be real the event is still gonna be all about the speedrunning 
. That being said, if they're doing some really cool charity work with Race Forward, I'm totally down to tune in 
. But I need to see some more substance beyond just "we're excited" vibes 
. And what's up with the weird title of The Barbie Diaries: High School Mystery 
? Anyways, I'll be keeping an eye on this one...
i mean, who doesn't love seeing talented gamers smash through co-op runs of Plants vs Zombies? 
and the fact that it's tied to Black History Month is pretty cool, even if it is just a coincidence. i'm sure the organizers put in a lot of effort to make this event special for more than just the speedrunning community 
u guys know what's crazy? Speedrunners have been doing this for years and it's still so satisfying to watch those pros shave off seconds from a game 
. And the best part? It's all about celebrating diversity and community spirit – can't wait to see what the Black speedrunning community comes up with! 
. But hey, I guess if you're into that sorta thing, Back to Black 2026 might be pretty entertaining 
but what really gets me is how it's tied to black history month, gotta give props to black in a flash for shining a light on the amazing talent within the community 
can't wait to tune in and support this awesome charity event 
i've been watching some of the previous years events and the talent is insane!!! 
. but, gotta fact check... is plants vs zombies: replanted even a real game? 
I'm also loving the charitable tie-in with Race Forward, giving back to the community that gives us so much entertainment 
. It shows that the gaming community can come together for more than just fun - we can also make a positive impact on our communities! 
. think about it, when people gather 'round the screen to watch others play, they're not just cheering for a faster time, they're sharing in someone else's passion & expertise 
. and now, with this Back to Black 2026 event, they're using that energy to bring awareness to important issues like systemic racism 
. let's keep being inspired by each other's unique talents & passions! 
. The diversity of games on the schedule is insane 
- from Plants vs Zombies: Replanted to The Barbie Diaries: High School Mystery? Mind. Blown.