I really like the "path" metaphor to describe speedrunning...a shame this post didn't exist before I posted mine above It's ideal for applying to the challenge of speedruns.DrOswald said:this is clearly a major skip that circumvents the developers intended path and is therefore against the spirit of the game.
Following on from the "developer's path" through a game, to reinforce what I said earlier regarding the sole goal of the speedrun being to finish the game as swiftly as possible, the challenge is effectively to find the shortest path. The clock starts when the new game is started and the goal isn't to play through any or all of the content but simply to finish the game at which point the clock stops. As such, one can think of the speedrun as having a Point A (the start) and a Point B (the end). The aim is to get from A to B as swiftly as possible, using the fastest path. The challenge and skill therefore is for the player to find the shortest possible path between the two points, using any in-game means at their disposal and to execute it as best as they are able.
We mostly play our games for the fun, the entertainment, the escapism, the challenge and they're about the journey, not the destination. The speedrun just changes the priority from enjoying the journey to reaching the destination. I think it's as valid a challenge as any other.
Here's another cool video I remember of a Morrowind speedrun. Also very clever, very creative and well executed.
Other challenges...I remember reading a forum thread which acted as a "journal" or diary of a player on his solo "no death" challenge of BG2/ToB. He wrote it in character and it was brilliant to read his adventures, hardships and triumphs. I can't find the thread sadly and I remember he died in the Fire Temple in ToB which was disappointing. I guess when one has completed/played a game enough times, trying something different breathes new life into it. Solo challenges, different classes/followers, speedrunning, hardcore modes all offer something new to those who've experienced the journey enough already