Gaming charity events like Games Done Quick have always been a source of entertainment and wonder, raising money for noble causes. This year, audiences were treated to a unique spectacle involving Peanut Butter, a shiba inu trained to perform commands and “play” a NES game from 1985. While the technical obstacles proved to be a challenge, Peanut Butter’s efforts still managed to raise substantial funds for charity. However, this begs the question: what bizarre experiment will the speedrunning community come up with next?
Peanut Butter’s owner, JSR_, is not unfamiliar with pushing the boundaries of speedrunning. His previous accomplishments include running every game featured on the Angry Video Game Nerd and achieving the best Dog Assistance run for Gyromite. However, it is crucial to understand that Peanut Butter’s involvement in these speedruns is not the result of independent gameplay. Instead, JSR_ uses the shiba inu as a tool to control the game, showcasing the incredible training and bond between them.
Training Peanut Butter to respond to commands and press the pressure-sensitive buttons required immense dedication. It took a year of patient teaching to ensure the dog’s obedience, even during extended gaming sessions. Peanut Butter’s actions are a testament to his training, and his bond with JSR_ is evident. However, it is worth pondering how far we should push the boundaries of these unconventional speedruns.
While the shiba inu speedrun captured the attention of many, it also raised concerns. The realm of speedrunning has progressively moved towards more absurd and challenging obstacles, starting with a gamer dressed as a goose playing Untitled Goose Game. The trajectory seems endless, with fish playing Elden Ring becoming the current frontier. However, the question arises: where do we draw the line?
As absurd as it may sound, envisioning a world where fame-seeking individuals buy shiba inus on a whim, only to abandon them when the novelty wears off, is not entirely far-fetched. The rise of speedrunning dogs as a trend could potentially lead to unforeseen consequences, both for the animals involved and the wider community.
It is crucial to acknowledge the positive impact of the meme dog stream and its ability to generate significant funds for charity. While it is unfortunate that Peanut Butter missed out on the world record due to a technical glitch, the event was undeniably enchanting. Despite my reservations, I cannot dismiss the tremendous good that came out of the speedrunning community’s efforts during Games Done Quick.
Despite my critical stance on the shiba inu speedrun, it is essential to recognize the overall positive nature of Games Done Quick as an event. It is an opportunity to witness skilled gamers showcase their exceptional talents while contributing to charitable causes. If you have never experienced GDQ before, I highly recommend tuning into the Twitch stream.
More importantly, supporting these charitable endeavors by making donations is a valuable way to give back. Whether it is supporting cancer prevention organizations like the Prevent Cancer Foundation or contributing to other worthy causes, every contribution matters. The spirit of giving and the power of gaming unite during events like GDQ, reminding us of the immense potential of both the gaming community and humanity as a whole.
The shiba inu speedrun featuring Peanut Butter was undoubtedly a captivating and unique event within the realm of speedrunning. However, it is essential to reflect on the direction in which this trend is heading. Striking a balance between innovation and ethical considerations is crucial to safeguard the well-being of animals and maintain the integrity of the speedrunning community. Nevertheless, Games Done Quick remains a platform that deserves our attention and support as we strive to make a positive impact on the world through the medium of gaming.
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