PSX Routing by Petroeskja, as documented by Muttski. Route adapted to PC by SheriffFalc. Optimizations by Grimsalad, CaptoftheDorks, me (NGL: I’m stoked I worked my rebirthless 2-turn Kraken strat into a WR), and others.

This is my third and final world record in this category. There is room for improvement, and I have little doubt it will be bested soon. But at this point, I’m happy to look back fondly on two years’ work, rather than shave off seconds in perpetuity.

When I first started, Ceaselessly and Grim were there for me in every possible way—coaching me up as a speed runner, streamer, and person. They never stopped. These “successes” are as much theirs as mine.

Thank you also to my other wonderful moderators (and friends)—Borlonty, Kieran, and Sparky—and to every kind person who’s ever hung out.

A speed running community can be a place where a group of jointly-interested people come together, trade ideas, and work together to deconstruct a game to its very essence; where communal progress, not any one runner, is the point.

Or, it can be a place where those with outsized egos put others down, ignore the contributions and kindnesses of their peers, and lift up themselves alone; a place where women and queer people are routinely marginalized and functionally excluded from the community.

Among FF9 runners, I believe more people prefer the former conception, but when otherwise well-intended people fail to police the toxic types, the latter version tends to prevail.

Please know that a speed runner’s worth is not their PB; it is not their social clout; it is certainly not their bro-ness. What matters is whether and how you help create a space where others can feel at home, theorize, investigate, learn, improve, and thrive; where people lift one another up.

“You don’t need a reason to help people.” I’m trying to remember who said that. But it sure would be a good mantra to hold onto.

--Keeper