Awesome Games Done Quick 2023 set for January, going online-only

destructoid.com:

Awesome Games Done Quick will be back in 2023, to host another speedrunning charity event. But unlike the most recent SGDQ, it won’t be an in-person event.

Games Done Quick has confirmed that its 2023 AGDQ event will be hosted online, on January 8 through 15. While organizers state they would like to return to in-person, they have determined that “to provide a safe and welcoming event to all” it was best to move away from its originally planned location in Florida.

In a thread detailing the decision, Games Done Quick cites the state’s “continued disregard” for COVID-19 dangers, including anti-mandate policies. They also note increased aggression towards LGBTQ+ individuals, including the “Don’t Say Gay” law.

Given the state’s continued disregard for COVID-19’s dangers (including anti-mandate policies) and an increased aggression towards LGBTQ+ individuals, including the law colloquially known as "Don't Say Gay," we do not believe it is a safe place for our community.

— Games Done Quick (@GamesDoneQuick) September 7, 2022

After the success of AGDQ in 2020, Games Done Quick secured a contract with a Florida venue to return in 2021. The global pandemic postponed that decision until it was deemed safe to return to in-person events.

While the team says it has explored multiple options that would allow them to remain in-person by relocating to a new location, the cost required to cancel its existing contract is too high to justify relocating while also paying the cancellation. Ultimately, with the contract unable to be delayed any longer, the team has decided to move the event online.

“While the move to online will allow us to save some on expenses, we still have considerable costs to recover,” reads today’s statement. “We are