Games Done Quick Director of Operations Matt Merkle Officially Takes Reins of the Speedrunning Event Organization

Games Done Quick :

August 29, 2024 – Games Done Quick's Director of Operations Matt Merkle is now the majority owner of the speedrunning organization. Founder Mike Uyama, who announced his plans to step away from GDQ last year, has officially signed over ownership to Matt Merkle and his team.

Merkle will continue as GDQ's Director of Operations, managing the organization's events. His leadership team includes Director of Technology Jason Deng and Business Director Ashley Farkas, each of whom also have part ownership.

“I want to thank Mike Uyama, not just for starting this wonderful company, but also for making the sacrifice of giving away his company to us,” Merkle says. “I will continue to work as hard as I can to follow in his footsteps and ensure the success of GDQ for years to come.”

"Stepping down from Games Done Quick has given me time to rest, recover, and reflect on my accomplishments and where I am in life," Uyama says. "I'm confident that the rest of the staff will guide GDQ toward a successful future. My time is done, and now it's time for others to take the helm."

Games Done Quick will continue in its efforts to raise money for charities including Doctors Without Borders and Prevent Cancer Foundation. To date, the organization has raised more than $51.7 million through its annual Awesome Games Done Quick, Summer Games Done Quick, and Frame Fatales speedrunning events. During these live events, viewers donate money as players race to beat video games as quickly as possible, with all proceeds going directly to their charity partners.

Games Done Quick's next big event is Awesome Games Done Quick, running from January 5-12 next year in Pittsburgh, PA. 

Related Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GamesDoneQuick

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gamesdonequick

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gamesdonequick

Cohost: https://cohost.org/gamesdonequick

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/gamesdonequick

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/gamesdonequick

About Games Done Quick

Games Done Quick is an organizer of video game speedrunning marathons. These events feature high-level gameplay by speedrunners raising money for charity. Games Done Quick has teamed up with several charities in its 14-year history, including Prevent Cancer Foundation and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). To date, Games Done Quick has raised more than $51.7 million for charity. For more information, please visit gamesdonequick.com

Media Contact:

Lizzie Killian

[email protected] 

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