AGDQ 2018

Here are some thoughts on my FIRST GDQ event, AGDQ 2018:

So, first of all, I never thought I would ever really go to a GDQ because I didn't really know anyone in any community personally (and the communities for the main games I run are quite small). Matt really convinced me that this was something I should try and, overall, I'm super glad I did. Everyone I met was super welcoming, accepting, and treated me like I was already part of the gang. This is important to me because even with medication, my anxiety keeps me from really being "myself" in many social situations. It's something I felt like I worked through because I felt very comfortable hanging out with the Drinky Drinks crew. So, let me say thank you to everyone I met -- it was great spending time with you all and I was sad to leave!

As far as games and runs go, I was beyond honored to be asked to provide some commentary for the Legend of the Mystical Ninja 2p co-op run. When I started speedrunning like, 2 years ago, I never would have thought that I would be somebody that is knowledgeable enough to be at an event like this. It was super fun to be able to learn the 2p route with Matt and I hope we are able to play more online and get the time down to around 28 minutes. I think our current PB of 30:50 is pretty dang good considering one of us always seems to Game Over before the run ends. Shoutouts to SilentBlackCat for playing some 2p Catherine with me, clearing one of the toughest extra stages in just 3 tries was great! I also learned a TON about competitive play and I look forward to seeing how the online works with release of Catherine:Full Body at some point next year.

Being at the event also motivated me a bit more to get back into regular streaming, and looking at speedrunning some new things. I'd really like to improve my PBs on both LoMN Low% and Catherine, so I think most of my efforts are going to be put into doing that. It's easy to say I will be more active in streaming, but it's always hard to predict with my work. I hope to keep this momentum going!

Overall, I had a great experience and I hope to be able to be back next year. Money and scheduling wise, it's looking like SGDQ can't happen :( but I know you guys will have a great time and I will be there in spirit (and discord)!

Thanks for reading everyone!
TK