Mike Uyama | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1980 Northern Virginia, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | George Mason University |
| Occupation(s) | Founder and CEO |
| Years active | 2009–2023 |
| Known for | Games Done Quick |
Mike Uyama is an American businessman known for his contributions to video game-related charity work. He founded and served as the CEO of Games Done Quick (GDQ). As a former player, he became stated among gaming enthusiasts for his focus on philanthropic fundraising and advocacy for gaming.
Early Life and Education
editUyama was born in Northern Virginia and faced early speech challenges that led to his enrollment in a specialized school. Despite these speech difficulties, he showed advanced reading skills from a young age. Uyama began his studies at George Mason University but did not complete his academic program.[1]
Career
editAfter leaving college, Uyama pursued a career as a data analyst in the technology industry. He later worked at a local liquor store. Its closure sparked his interest in video gaming.[1]
Games Done Quick
editFoundation
editIn 2009, Mike's interest in speedruns, the fast finishing of video games, prompted him to arrange a charitable live streaming event during the gaming festival MAGFest, a gaming convention. However, technical challenges arose due to unreliable internet at the event venue. Uyama resolved these issues by moving the live stream to another location with better equipment.[2] The first marathon in 2010 marked the beginning of Games Done Quick (GDQ) as an organization. This event led Uyama to officially establish it in 2010 and focus on its management. The main goal was to raise funds for charitable causes through speedrunning events.[1] In 2011, the first GDQ event under its new name collected $50,000 for charitable aims.[3] Over time, GDQ's yearly philanthropic marathons have consistently produced raising funds. These events involve audiences in live broadcasts that contribute to charitable goals. The primary event, Awesome GDQ, drew around 3,000 participants in 2020.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, GDQ adapted its philanthropic speedrunning activities for safety and continued fundraising despite the challenges and risks of in-person events. Uyama and his GDQ team moved the events online, allowing virtual participation for speedrunners and viewers. They also relocated to a more suitable location to ensure effective execution and increased viewership and donations for GDQ’s events.[3] The 2020 online AGDQ was notable for setting a new record by raising over $3.1 million for its selected charities.[3]
Uyama and GDQ promote diversity through events such as Frame Fatales, which celebrates female and non-binary speedrunners, and Black and Fast, which showcases the talents of Black speedrunners.[2]
Growth
editStarting in 2014, GDQ raised over one million dollars in donations at both its summer and winter events.[1] GDQ’s fundraising totals increased significantly over time, supporting various charitable causes. In 2022, GDQ expanded its staff to over 50 members who worked to promote positive change through game-related charity work. The organization consistently attracted large online audiences for its events, including gaming fans, donors, and beneficiaries.[4] [2]
Philanthropy
editApart from its biannual events, the organization, under the leadership of Uyama and his GDQ team, organized a campaign in response to Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Over four days, they raised $20,000 in donations for the Houston Food Bank[1] GDQ has partnered with organizations such as the Prevent Cancer Foundation and Doctors Without Borders. Both organizations have received over $15 million in donations from GDQ.[1] GDQ’s donations have funded half of the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s research budget.[1]
GDQ’s donations supported Doctors Without Borders’ operations in Cambodia for an entire year, providing life-saving medical care to vulnerable populations.[1] [2] By 2023, it had cumulatively reached more than $41 million through contributions to its livestreamed speedrunning events.
Resignation
editIn January 2023, Mike Uyama stepped down from his position as the owner and managing director of GDQ after serving for 13 years. He cited personal health and well-being as the reason for his decision. He expressed a desire to remain connected with the GDQ community, potentially in a different role in the future.[4]
Matt Merkle, previously serving as GDQ’s operations manager, was appointed the new chief executive officer. In this role, he continued to guide the organization in bringing together gaming fans for charitable purposes.[4]
Mike Uyama reflected on the development of GDQ from a volunteer endeavor to an established entity and acknowledged Matt Merkle’s support in this advancement.[4]
Matt Merkle recognized Mike Uyama’s contributions to GDQ, highlighting his role in growing the organization from a small group to a company with substantial personnel and a history of philanthropic fundraising. Merkle expressed appreciation for Uyama’s legacy and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing GDQ’s mission with the support of the speedrunning community and dedicated personnel.[4]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h Dvorak, Petula (13 January 2022). "His mom didn't nag when he was a lost 20-something playing a video game in her basement. $35 million later, she's glad she didn't". Washington Post.
- ^ a b c d Gach, Emanuel (11 January 2021). "Awesome Games Done Quick 2021 raises $2.7 million with online-only event". Polygon.
- ^ a b c Parrish, Ash (6 January 2023). "Games Done Quick founder steps down after completing 13-year any% speedrun". The Verge.
- ^ a b c d e "Games Done Quick Founder Mike Uyama to Exit". GamesDoneQuick.com. 5 January 2023.
Categories
editCategory:Video game genres Category:Charity fundraisers Category:Speedrunners Category:Esports Category:Philanthropists