Games Done Quick's annual speedrunning marathon is back on February 5th and will continue through the 8th. The all-Black themed event, aptly titled Back to Black, celebrates gaming culture with a twist - every speed runner participating in this year's events will be part of the Black community.
As its name suggests, the focus of Back to Black lies not only on the charity but also in the games being played. Organized by Black in a Flash, this event promises an exciting lineup of speed runs featuring some popular titles alongside lesser-known ones. You can expect speed runners taking on challenging games such as Hades II and Cuphead - both notoriously difficult games that even experienced gamers struggle with.
In addition to these modern classics, the event also features retro games like Donkey Kong Country, Street Fighter 2, and Sonic Heroes. But for fans of obscure titles, Back to Black 2026 is sure to deliver, as the schedule includes a lesser-known Sega Saturn title called Mr. Bones from 1996.
For those who may be wondering, this event supports Race Forward, a nonprofit working towards racial equity in America. Last year's Back to Black event raised $44,000 for the charity, and organizers are hoping to exceed that amount this time around. With its unique blend of gaming and community focus, Back to Black 2026 is sure to be an exciting watch for speedrunning fans.
As its name suggests, the focus of Back to Black lies not only on the charity but also in the games being played. Organized by Black in a Flash, this event promises an exciting lineup of speed runs featuring some popular titles alongside lesser-known ones. You can expect speed runners taking on challenging games such as Hades II and Cuphead - both notoriously difficult games that even experienced gamers struggle with.
In addition to these modern classics, the event also features retro games like Donkey Kong Country, Street Fighter 2, and Sonic Heroes. But for fans of obscure titles, Back to Black 2026 is sure to deliver, as the schedule includes a lesser-known Sega Saturn title called Mr. Bones from 1996.
For those who may be wondering, this event supports Race Forward, a nonprofit working towards racial equity in America. Last year's Back to Black event raised $44,000 for the charity, and organizers are hoping to exceed that amount this time around. With its unique blend of gaming and community focus, Back to Black 2026 is sure to be an exciting watch for speedrunning fans.
where everyone's trying to be PC about everything... Games Done Quick's Back to Black thing? More like "Black in a Flash"... sounds like they're just checking boxes off some diversity bingo card 
And what's up with making it an all-Black themed event? Are they worried that white speed runners won't show up or something? It's just gonna be another way for the gaming community to pretend like they care about representation 
It's amazing how the gaming community is coming together like this - a whole all-Black themed event supporting a great cause? 
That Mr. Bones game from 1996 sounds super interesting, btw! Have you guys played that one before? I need to watch some speedruns ASAP! 
The charity aspect is really cool too, especially since it's not just about the games themselves, but also about the community and having fun. Can't wait for Feb 5th, gonna be a wild ride! 
But what I'm genuinely stoked about is that this event is giving back to the community, supporting a great cause in Race Forward. I mean, it's awesome that they're including some retro games like Donkey Kong Country, it'll be fun to see how old-school gaming skills hold up against modern speedrunners.
and i saw the most beautiful sunset over the pacific 
it was literally paint-splattered sky vibes 
have you guys ever played hades ii? its like the most frustrating game ever 
can't wait for this years Back to Black event on Feb 5-8 
I was thinking about the lineup last year and it looked so lit 
but then there's this Mr Bones game from 96? 
never heard of it before! curious to see how the speed runners tackle those retro classics. and ofc supporting a great cause like Race Forward 
lets keep raising funds for racial equity in America 
I'm stoked about Games Done Quick's annual speedrunning marathon! 
. Every participant in the Black community will be part of this awesome event, which just goes to show how gaming has become more inclusive 
I mean, can you imagine trying to beat Hades II or Cuphead? 
. It's amazing to see the speedrunning community come together for charity, and I'm sure this event will raise even more than last year 
I think it's awesome how Games Done Quick is using their platform to celebrate the Black community through the Back to Black event. It's great that they're supporting a charity like Race Forward, which works towards racial equity in America. The lineup of games looks super diverse, from popular titles like Cuphead and Street Fighter 2 to some lesser-known gems like Mr. Bones on Sega Saturn. I'm curious to see how the speedrunners tackle those tough levels! 
It's also awesome that they're pushing for a bigger charity total than last year - $44k was already pretty impressive, so let's hope they can hit or beat that. 
.
but also i'm hyped to see some retro classics like donkey kong country and street fighter 2. and that sega saturn title mr bones from 1996 is literally a hidden gem 
.
I've been following Games Done Quick's events for years and this one sounds like it's gonna be epic. The idea of celebrating gaming culture with a focus on the Black community is so cool. 
Let's support Race Forward and get that fundraising total way over $44,000 from last year! 
, it's dope that they're using gaming as a way to raise awareness and funds for racial equity in America 
. can't wait to watch the event on Feb 5th - gonna be a sick stream 
. Who else is hyped for Back to Black 2026? 
. But what I love most about this event is that it's not just about speedrunning, it's also about celebrating gaming culture with a twist - giving back to the community that made it all happen 
. I'd love to donate some money or buy some merchandise from their online store. Do you guys have any favorite speed runners or games that you'd recommend watching during Back to Black 2026?
! The lineup of games looks insane, especially hades II & cuphead - those games are super hard even for pro gamers 
. and omg mr bones from sega saturn in 1996?!? that's like a whole nother level of nostalgia 
! race forward is such a dope charity too, I'm hoping they smash their fundraising goal this year 
btw, who is mr bones from sega saturn? never heard of him... is he hard to beat in speedrun?