In a significant transition for the speedrunning community, Games Done Quick (GDQ) has officially passed the torch of ownership to Matt Merkle, the organization’s director of operations. This change comes after founder Mike Uyama announced his departure from the company in January of the previous year, culminating in the transfer of ownership to Merkle and his team.
Leadership Transition
As Merkle steps into his new role, he will be joined by key figures in the organization: Jason Deng, the director of technology, and Ashley Farkas, the business director. Both Deng and Farkas hold ownership stakes in GDQ, ensuring a collaborative leadership approach moving forward.
Expressing gratitude for the legacy left by Uyama, Merkle stated, “I want to thank Mike Uyama, not just for starting this wonderful company, but also for making the sacrifice of giving away his company to us.” He emphasized his commitment to maintaining the organization’s success, saying, “I will continue to work as hard as I can to follow in his footsteps and ensure the success of GDQ for years to come.”
In a reflective moment, Uyama shared his thoughts on stepping down, noting, “Stepping down from Games Done Quick has given me time to rest, recover, and reflect on my accomplishments and where I am in life. I’m confident that the rest of the staff will guide GDQ toward a successful future. My time is done, and now it’s time for others to take the helm.”
Since its founding, Games Done Quick has made a remarkable impact, raising over million for various charitable causes, showcasing the organization’s commitment to philanthropy through the medium of gaming.
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