Awesome Games Done Quick (AGDQ) has been a remarkable platform that showcases exceptional speedruns of various video games. From blindfolded Punch-Out to custom Mario games, AGDQ has been a hub for extraordinary gaming feats. The upcoming 2024 event is no different. However, this time around, the limelight falls on a Shiba Inu named Peanut Butter. Trained by JSR2gamers, this dog is about to perform a speedrun, thereby making history.

The Teaser Trailer that Unveiled the Canine Prodigy

JSR2gamers, a known user in the speedrunning community, recently posted a minute-long teaser trailer featuring Peanut Butter. This Shiba Inu was trained to speedrun Gyromite, an NES game, using a custom controller developed by JSR. Peanut Butter effectively replaces the R.O.B peripheral as he steps on colored platforms, responding to JSR’s commands to control the game.

First Documented Run: Setting a Benchmark

Peanut Butter is no stranger to speedrunning. His initial run clocked in at 25 minutes and 29 seconds, documented on JSR’s YouTube channel. The community has lovingly termed this time as P.B.’s PB, reflecting both the dog’s initials and a term commonly used in speedrunning to refer to a personal best. According to JSR, training Peanut Butter for speedrunning was a logical step after noticing his higher-than-average intelligence. In a statement, JSR said, “I wanted to train him to do something special when I realized he was much smarter than most dogs I’ve seen.”

A Peek into AGDQ 2024’s Line-up

Peanut Butter’s Gyromite run is merely a part of an extensive list of speedruns scheduled for AGDQ 2024. The event also includes other runs like Tears of The Kingdom Any% set for one hour, an Elden Ring Any% Unrestricted run planned for 20 minutes, and a race for the fastest 100% completion of Metroid Dread with a time slot of one hour and 55 minutes. The event will take place from January 17-24 at the Wyndham Hotel and Resort in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. However, Peanut Butter’s run and a few others will be conducted online.

Final Thoughts: The Significance of a Canine Speedrunner

This unprecedented event of a dog participating in a speedrun at AGDQ 2024 marks a milestone in the realm of competitive gaming. It not only showcases the incredible versatility and potential of training domestic animals but also adds an innovative layer to the world of speedrunning, pushing its boundaries beyond human capabilities.

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