Games Done Quick have announced they will be canceling their in-person event in exchange for an online-only event, in protest of Florida’s political and COVID-19 laws.

The event as become the largest speedrunning organization who hosts charity livestream events for fundraising. Games Done Quick was planning to have their newest event, known as Awesome Games Done Quick, in Florida.

On their website, the group explains their decision to cancel the in-person event has to do with Florida’s COVID-19’s policies. These include the state’s anti-mandate vaccination policies, calling it a “disregard for COVID-19’s dangers”.

They also make mention of the state’s “Parental Rights in Education” law, famously referred to as the “don’t say gay” law, which drew national attention. GDQ claims both of these policies make the state not a “safe place for our community”.

After noting they’re canceling the event, Games Done Quick said they wish they could have moved the venue elsewhere. However, the cancelation fee after they had already set things up back in 2021 with their venue of choice (in Florida) would make costs well too high.

Lastly, it’s worth reiterating the new event is scheduled for January 8th to the 15th will now be online instead. This will be the third year in a row where it will be held online, as the previous two years got cancelled from COVID-19 lockdowns.