- Merkle will work together with a management team that includes technology director Jason Deng and business director Ashley Farkas
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Video game speedrun charity marathon Games Done Quick has passed over ownership to director of operations Matt Merkle.
This comes after founder Mike Uyama stepped away from the company in 2023, leaving Merkle as the majority owner and managing director of the firm.
Merkle will work together with a management team that includes technology director Jason Deng and business director Ashley Farkas, both of whom are also part-owners of the company.
Games Done Quick is a series of charity video game marathons. Events feature high-level gameplay by speedrunners raising money for charity. Over nine years the organisation has teamed up multiple charities, including Doctors Without Borders and the Prevent Cancer Foundation, being currently the largest fundraising event for both charities.
To date, Games Done Quick has raised over 50 million dollars for charity with an average of 3000 people in attendance at events.
New leaders at the helm
“I extend my gratitude to Mike Uyama for establishing this incredible organisation and for entrusting it to us,” said Merkle. “I am committed to continuing his legacy and ensuring the ongoing success of GDQ for years to come.”
Uyama added: “Leaving Games Done Quick has afforded me the opportunity to recuperate and evaluate my personal journey. I am assured that the team will steer GDQ toward future triumphs. It’s time for new leaders to steer the course.”
GDQ has raised over $51.7 million for charity through its events. The next event titled Awesome Games Done Quick will take place from Sunday, January 5th 2025 to Sunday, January 12th 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
