Diablo Hackers Smash 15-Year-Old Speedrun Record

The speedrunning community has recently debunked a 15-year-old record for the game Diablo, which was previously deemed unbeatable. Originally recorded in 2009 by Maciej "Groobo" Maselewski, the Any% segmented run of three minutes and 12 seconds faced scrutiny that has finally led to its invalidation. In 2024, a team of speedrunners utilizing tool-assisted speedrun (TAS) techniques meticulously analyzed Groobo's run by exploring approximately 2.2 billion random number generator (RNG) seeds. Their investigation uncovered inconsistencies, suggesting Groobo had used various illegitimate methods to achieve his record, including gameplay from different sessions and spliced footage. Consequently, on September 10, 2024, the Speed Demos Archive removed Groobo's records from their leaderboards, igniting renewed interest in Diablo speedrunning.

The implications are significant as it reopens the Diablo speedrunning category, encouraging players to attempt new records and fostering a more honest and transparent competitive environment. The investigation highlights the necessity for rigorous scrutiny within the speedrunning community to maintain integrity.

Diablo is an iconic action role-playing game (ARPG) developed by Blizzard Entertainment and first released in 1996. The title has spawned numerous sequels and expansions, solidifying its legacy in gaming history. The game is renowned for its dark fantasy elements, loot collection, and multiplayer functionality, setting a foundation for countless ARPGs that followed. With its intricate dungeon environments and intense gameplay, Diablo has continued to captivate players, making speedrunning an exciting and competitive pursuit within its fanbase.