History of Cheating & Faked Speedruns in Goldeneye & Perfect Dark, & How The-Elite Got Clean

Twenty years ago, no one would have foreseen the current state of speedrunning becoming such a special profession or hobby for so many people, and so the decisions made by communities and community members along the way were often those of naive innocence or inexperience. In this fireside chat, I tell a (not so) brief history of different occasions people have cheated or faked speedruns at the-elite.net, the consequences, and how the-elite reformed to make it out of it all as one of the cleanest speedrun communities.
I had only planned on talking for about 20 minutes, but the mood by the fire was so cozy that 50 minutes felt like 20. I hope to do another fireside chat or two very soon!
Feeling inspired to try for yourself? Sign up for The-Elite rankings here: rankings.the-e...
You can find The-Elite World Rankings with tons of videos linked to it, right here: rankings.the-e...
You can support my Patreon here: / rwhitegoose
As always, you can watch me live at / rwhitegoose
and follow at / rwhitegoose
Thanks for watching, and until next time, stay true!

[@DruidVorse]

DUDE, these fireside videos need a comeback.

[@mintfloss15]

at 24:23 goose freezes for the correction but the fire keeps going... goose splicing cabin vids too

[@Elegantfoxwasteland]

Were the sounds fake then? Or were the frogs and crickets legit?

[@ChadDidNothingWrong]

It's not a splice. The region he's using always freezes the player at 24:23.

[@t0asta]

24:21 - SPLICED - Goose freezes but the fire continues moving! The fire is faked! =)

[@DividedWeAllFall]

Cory J I was wondering if someone else noticed lol

[@MilkmanCR]

Lol

[@erpmario]

Okay, like what. That's trippy.

[@JDLupus]

I was about to yell about this video being spliced too, hahaha!

[@breakingaustin]

The fire isn't casting any light movement either

[@pete904ni]

This is a fascinating insight into something that was HUGE in the lives of a very small amount of people. All the drama, all the BS, all the emotion and you couldn't talk about it to anyone you know in person since they just wouldn't get it. I was big into sim racing 2000-2003 then big into it 2007-2013 and it was the same. There was a core of 20-30 people, maybe 150ish total cycling in and out over the years. Huge dramas, huge fights, lifelong friendships made and even at least marriage. It's all gone now, the formus have went offline before being archived, all the race results, lap records, replay files, skins, everything. All gone. It was great at the time but it's sad there's nothing left.

[@mauriciochioro]

Just for a little bit of history: back in 1997 Photoshop already had pretty much everything is has today, just less automation. So, to edit a simple screenshot was a walk in the park in 2001. The program was born as good as it is, you could install PS V3 today and still rock.

[@kargaroc386]

Even the *1988* versions could probably do this. Edit: I tried it, and its possible: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5K6ZYKNm7ySps0 The result is probably about as good as the early photoshop fakes in this video were.

[@Kosac07]

I have a feeling you're gonna be an awesome grandpa.

[@jackssmirkingrevenge9365]

yeah its gonna be weird when we're all old... talking to our grandkids about speedrunning computer games.. seems a bit incongruous, lol

[@RedHairdo]

Degenerate grandpas. (jk)

[@RC-pz7tg]

I wish he was my (slightly younger than me) grandpa...

[@gave2haze]

He already has the mentality for it (No offense)

[@Zurie]

I have no ties to the Goldeneye speedrunning community, but I do enjoy a good speedrun, especially of a game I enjoyed as a kid, and I have to say, I REALLY like this very informative, and rather personal view into someone who has had a strong connection and impact with the community. I really hope to see more content like this from you; I think the fireside chat setup works really, really well.

[@TheEternalLightning]

I Agree. As Someone Who Loves The Ideas Of Speedrunning But Doesn't Have The Time To Practice Any Type Of Speedrun I Love Goose's Videos

[@chadelliottfahlman]

Yo, I'm from Regina, Saskatchewan, and listening to your episodes while I packing to move into a new place. Your stories are bringing back serious childhood memories. :-) Hope all is well.

[@goldenjimbo007]

The insane thing is, "Octoinky", the first known Elite cheater, now works as a high-up at Facebook doing cyber security. Unreal turn over the last 15 years! He's a pretty cool guy, was just a stupid teenager back then.

[@Ed33n]

LOL You claimed fake times twice?

[@goldenjimbo007]

Originally when I was on GameFAQs yeah, and the Silo 00 thing was a terrible decision. Goose nailed it with the "the game owed me" thing, we've clearly talked about this before lol.

[@thizlam4810]

goldenjimbo007 Big of you to own up to making mistakes and to move forward legit. A lot of people who get caught continue to do it or deny it even with all the evidence pointing to cheating, like Billy Mitchell. Cheers!

[@martymcfly88mph35]

@@goldenjimbo007 can you fix facebook and their biased policies against conservatives?

[@ElSpudman]

He works at facebook. That precludes him from being a good person.

[@ArchiveAndy]

24:24 Is it just me or is the fire moving while goose is paused? This is the new #1 Mysterious things in elite history.

[@hey-lilly]

lmao

[@hey-lilly]

goose is edited in xd

[@ArchiveAndy]

What a troll

[@conspiraciesarejustgreatst2059]

Since goose likes to talk about splicing cheaters in speedrunning, you would think he wouldn't do such a shitty splice job! Doesn't make me think less of the dude...BUT.....is he part of the splice run community? Has he been this whole time? The fire on the top and his fingers make the shape of a triangle. Illuminatti?

[@Christophee1987]

It felt like 20 minutes to watch too. Your videos are so compelling that they always fly by.

[@BBQDanTheMan]

You make the best Goldeneye videos ever. Thanks for the nostalgia, Goose

[@abl030]

I love how goose promises a 'brief' sermon but cant help talk for an hour... not that we are complaining!

[@ramenoodle7853]

Found you bc of apollos vid. One of the only ppl with enough integrity to admit what you did and why.

[@OblivionWalkerVerified]

I miss Apollo :(

[@retro-meister]

Big fan of the cottage. Gonna be a great listen.

[@SlySh0go]

Thank you so much for the love and time you put into making these videos. Very interesting and just the kind of stuff I look for online.

[@Yshtola.]

i love these story videos !

[@douglas7656]

"you could train a dog, maybe even with some deficiencies, to get that time." actually lold

[@jaxsonbateman]

Really interesting and enjoyable watch - I'm late to the party but thoroughly enjoying these fireside chat videos!

[@MetalheadVonTexas]

I would let Goose tell me bed time stories every night before I go to sleep.

[@jackssmirkingrevenge9365]

all fun aside, i used to love falling asleep listening to long internet vids.. unfortunately unless youve got em downloaded you really shouldnt. wifi etc fucks with your sleep big time - seems to make everyone ive seen talk about it wake up every few hours, usually every three - give you intense dreams/nightmares and generally gives you shitty sleep which eventually ends up fucking you up in a whole host of ways. it sucks, cos id love to fall asleep listening to the dulcet tones of goose et al (@.@)... but yeah, nowadays i bite the bullet, switch my wifi off and read instead to wind down in the last half hour or so before sleep

[@yeahtbh.161]

Burger King you forgot to say no homo

[@Arisius13]

I watched your runs since 2014 and runs aside, your commentary is amazing to hear. Maybe it's the straight delivery of asked questions on Twitch chat or explanations on KZbin. Either way, your content is really easy to sit and relax to. Also, running a video game that I played so much as a kid is a definite plus. Keep up the great work, man. :)

[@cc2962]

When you see goose sitting next to a fireplace you know it's gonna be a damn fine video

[@50cent22]

This is amazing

[@Nikapocalypse]

"They were executed!" "I hope this helps you fall asleep."

[@spoonspoon7427]

I dont know how I got here, I just woke up from falling a sleep on my couch and this vid was running, super random, watch it completely, very interesting. Loved it.

[@FeltZeus99]

I have never played these games ever, yet through watching your videos ive come to really appreciate the passion this community has. I certainly wouldnt say that i am a part of the community because i never join discussions about it, yet i still find these types of videos talking about the history of the game fascinating. Your knowledge about this topic in just unreal, to be able to remember world record times from years back off the top of your head and remember so many events that have taken place over the years. Im a very “casual” runner of Dishonored yet i couldnt even tell you the current record in the any % category currently, let alone 15+ years ago (i know d1 is not that old, but still you get the point) You are honestly one of the best content creators on this platform and I hope you continue what you are doing.

[@omar7311]

Rwhitegoose is so down to earth, he intentionally avoids gully covers because he could accidentally no clip through them.

[@altrogeruvah]

Man, I am a really big fan of this format. I love remote cabins, fireplace stories and Goldeneye 007. Thank you so much!

[@dangerszewski9816]

I would take anyone to task if they say this is a "negative" story, to me it's an incredibly positive one-- how a community recognized that there were bad actors out there in the world and got right, policing itself and cleaning up its leaderboards for the best of honest competition and as a fair place anyone can come and compete on an even level. It's a hopeful story about how there is a path back to the right side of the greater Speedrun community for other online boards (which have been talked about a lot these last few weeks and that's how I found this video, but I am not going to name) that have leaderboards suspected to be riddled with fake times, sometimes planted through dubious backroom deals with admins or blatant bald-faced double-down trickery and lies. A story about a community that perhaps lost some of its innocence but found a way to balance its rules to maintain inclusivity while also maintaining integrity. It's a positive story because it shows there's a road back from the brink, and a way to rebuild trust and build a better community.

[@kyleholmes7459]

Can't watch now but stoked to watch when I get home. Thanks for the content Ryan.

[@Makavelit0t0]

story by the fire, i think this might be one of the best episodes

[@MAA-sb2nr]

You should do videos about Perfect Dark too. PD is a great game and deserves more videos!

[@Benobot99]

Sweet! :D

[@mococaboy17]

honestly between this guy and karl jobst i play these videos about goldeneye just to fall asleep its calming

[@ianipoo]

When I first saw you speedrun co op sharing controls and how you guys dominated I loved it. Then I randomly a came across these videos about Goldeneye, which were commentated by you with gameplay footage, and then here I realized it's you! Keep it up man! This channel is something I'd so watch regularly.

[@Dropkickdejv]

I am not even actively involved in speed running but I find these videos very interesting! Keep up the good work!

[@Slavenmierech]

Like most people I had no idea this community existed the past 20 years, it's fascinating catching up on 20 years of lore ❤️

[@TheViken1]

i come back to these fireside videos so frequently. stay true, goose. best from norway

[@rufusgreenleaf2466]

You'll make a lovely grandfather one day Goose. I'm sure your grandchildren will love your bedtime stories on the speedrunning community.

[@sqarfuls8649]

I never would have guessed in a million years you *were* a cheater, but it's really cool to see you own up to it, embrace it as your history and tell your story honestly. Thanks for this video.

[@scottbaker3876]

I should have known you were Canadian. No one else would sit and have a tims like this

[@doublebassman123]

Scott Baker that looks like an old Newfie house.

[@unsubme2157]

This x 1000

[@Stizzfoshizz]

Haha Newfie house. It looks like an old as cabin somewhere here in Saskie too

[@unsubme2157]

@@Stizzfoshizz ay, reppin the 306

[@SuperBotcreator]

The fire kept burning as you corrected yourself.. This is what really got me. I like this a lot, started rocking my chair too.

[@Euphoricdaedalus]

Train a dog...even with deficiencies... to get that Facilities time ='D Goose you savage bwhahaha love it!

[@kieralexander]

I dont have sub minute :(

[@harrisonphillips1474]

This was excellent! I'm not interested enough in GoldenEye to watch the Speedlores, but I love these fireside chats.

[@pikik100]

"A brief history" 50mins long video SMH

[@RichterVonFuchs]

to be fair 50 minutes is a pretty brief history for 17 years of history.

[@pikik100]

yeah I know, this was just to show that a 50min long video is quite not "brief" xD

[@MeesterTweester]

That’s part of the joke. Also a reference to Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time

[@FunBox.]

FAKE RUN The fire is still moving even though the video is paused at 24:25!!!

[@ghosty918]

This is obviously faked, you can't see his shadow. The fire is just further proof.

[@alaeriia01]

The fire continues running when the game is paused due to the way the SNES processes that layer. It's similar to the SMW pause trick.

[@AndrewPlunkettF]

@6:35 "his best time, when his career was said and done, was like a Facility - Agent - 58, and I think you could probably train a dog, maybe with some deficiencies even, to get a time like that" - This will forever be the greatest speed running dis of all time. Thanks for the great laugh friend!

[@pizzahead2919]

Even your jackets look so cosy

[@TruckinFugginGaming]

Probably the single best way to talk about anything, right by a classy fireplace. Top tier.

[@TheQuicksilver115]

Idk what you're doing but something about it makes even the KZbin community around you positive, that's impressive! Keep shining friend

[@guymanjoni]

Dear Goose, this video is great! I saw the speed run with you and that other guy doing full game speed run. Yall destroyed one of my childhood games in 24 min! Keep up the good work!

[@Joslinmeister]

Watching a second time since I fell asleep to this last night. Lol thanks Goose

[@myrus5722]

Couldn’t go to my favorite place this summer for obvious reasons but these videos kind of bring me back to there as the cabin you’re in is pretty similar to my favorite place. On the side I get to hear some truly remarkable Goldeneye History in your soothing voice. I really hope you continue to do these in the future when the normal world comes back. Thanks man :D

[@myrus5722]

rwhitegoose That’s epic! I guess I’ll binge the other Firesides while I wait for October. I have a lot to catch up on.

[@OldBuford]

im new to your channel and speedrunning in general, loving these fireside stories, hope to see more of them! about cheating/faking speedruns, why would anyone want to do that? the best part of speedrunning is that feeling of accomplishment after besting your previous runs or even better, legitimately beating a WR.

[@lisahenry20]

From what I've seen, goog runners end up cheating out of frustration. Maybe a small part at the end of a run keeps going wrong and ruining the run, or in a more rng dependant game, frustration that you aren't getting the necessary luck.

[@dumbleduke4225]

This guy is gonna be an awesome Grandad one day, imagine being a kid sitting down listening to this guys N64 stories if you are into gaming

[@Josephhof]

I just bumped into this, incredible chat goose, i have always watched your 007 runs

[@adityakumar-qq7si]

Bro I do not want to be offensive but it seems like most of the moderators were just a bunch of elites who were too drunk on power, I mean you guys do realise how many people who actually would have been a part of the community today are not cause of this shit. And then community went and outcasted the one person who actually casted a serious light on the whole issues in the system and literally killed his passion, and yes I saw your video of honouring him but he is a casualty of the rampant elitism of the moderators on these community forums, and I my self have been a victim of this cause I belonged from a different country then the moderators. But I love the quality of your videos and the way you talk about these issue and I am so grateful to you and believe me when I say that I feel an immense comfort after watching your videos.

[@1TakoyakiStore]

I was confused at first when the screen froze but the fire kept moving but that was a hell of a way to make your point. Great video, very informative, and oddly quite the incite into the fake WR mindset.

[@mastergd]

I'm not even a big goldeneye/perfect dark fan(honestly came here via mario golf 64), but I could listen to this guy all day. The passion is infectious. Have you considered a podcast format? I can't be the only one who would listen to this in the car.

[@Tysoon12341]

You should do another one of these about the origins of The Elite website and how it all happened and who was involved. These are always so interesting to listen to!

[@Tocat-l4r]

I am not even into speed running but i just love watching these videos.

[@Bgz8890s]

I love this stuff, just started watching these speed running videos the other day. You guys are like the 1996 Chicago Bulls of Goldeneye & Perfect Dark.

[@demonsweatthings8493]

dude this setting is beautiful. it's like an optional podcast with a cozy visual to accompany it if you so please

[@puckbryn3583]

that fireplace with that cup on top and those bug noises gives such warm fuzzies p: love these chill chats, love from cottage country

[@Yupppi]

Great video. Especially to come from a former cheater talking neutrally about the history. There's a lot to learn from it. Super Metroid has had some new runners recently using forbidden tools or others' runs but weren't banned, just deleted until they actually posted legit runs and improved, which is also a good way to do it. Like you, people can learn from their mistakes. Also this is highly interesting on technical standpoint, how to notice the splices and fakes. I feel like it'd actually be very beneficial to have former cheaters in leaderboards moderation if they're reliable. After all, they know the best how to catch cheating.

[@azerath1000]

Rwhitegoose I had never even heard of speedrunning before you but I love your channel and your voice is oddly soothing. I now fall asleep to these videos lol

[@c0m4g1bb]

First time watcher, lifelong subscriber. Great upload I like this format storytelling/info. Cheers! Lmao that shit was funny how you spliced the pause

[@reptilianflizzy497]

I never knew anyone that liked speed running as a kid and I didn’t even realize it was a subject of gaming until discovering your channel about a year ago. Whenever I played games as a kid I was always thinking “how can I beat this game in the least possible amount of time” I would always skip anything I could and would only pick up the very basic essentials to beat each area, boss etc. my friends and family would always give me tons of shit for not being a completionist and eventually I Started trying to be a completionist which put me off of gaming for a very long time. It’s very cool to see an entire community of people who play games to competitively beat them quicker and quicker. Your content often makes me want to dig out the ol 64 and give it a shot but at the same time I know I have no chance of beating any of these records as I haven’t played most of the games in ~20 years.

[@ohmygoditisspider7953]

Dude you literally don't know. You could still get good. If you think you'll like it, why not try?

[@mkman1]

If I manage to get everyone banned from the rankings can I have every untied world record too

[@philippvoid1800]

1997. my friends and i roughly 17 years old, dodging school to smoke weed and play goldeneye on that 4 split screen for countless hours. unforgettable times. thx 4 the video!

[@Rainmanl0l]

Amazing video. Beautiful imagery, and well told. -rainybeaches

[@robertryan8784]

Bob Ross of goldeneye lore

[@AJR-zg2py]

YES, another fire-side video! That looks like one SWEET cabin.

[@apanapane]

This was very interesting, despite me only playing Golden Eye once or twice back in the day. Thank you for uploading.

[@Sans2198]

I don't play or watch GE/PD streams but your videos are so interesting and fun to watch. Great storytelling, thanks!

[@budspudsy436]

This was a very well crafted and surprisingly entertaining video. I would absolutely watch more more comfy ramblings if this is the format

[@De2Venner]

This has even more of a 'tell us a story, dad' vibe than previous vids, but I like it.

[@whiteshadow59]

i'm going to doze off to this, but you're tempting me to get a mega size coffee like the one next to you. This stuff interests me and all the speedrunning stuff. Only ever played GE back in the day and your videos have got me back into this game.

[@evilsqirrel]

I like the little touch where you edited the fire still going while you were frozen during the correction.

[@kohl1035]

the grandfather of the internet

[@ssjgold]

Fireside chats are great, love the Tim Hortons cup you've got going on, and interesting stories about the cheating. Thanks Goose! Although, I gotta admit... right now I wish I had the skill to make blatantly fake Goldeneye meme videos... Also,

[@pierreduquesnoy6481]

I might be a bit late on this one but damn , i enjoyed this video so much that i had to comment ! Thanks for that moment !

[@markaged]

48:55 seeing this video for the first time in 2024, where negative stories are what the majority of uploads are these days! People learned to love videos about negativity, everyone loves being mad here. Punched a wall to this video, great stuff!

[@crypt0nym0ussec57]

32:00 laughed my ass off at the "putting away the rocket launcher" joke-run

[@i.korezom]

I love grandpa Goose gathering us all 'round the fireplace to tell us stories of the old days.

[@kid_lucchese]

I thoroughly enjoy listening/watching your videos, regardless of the video game content. I as well, share the same passion and respect for video games and the community we share. Keep on do'in it, Goose. - Eternal Fan

[@violetnop4345]

would love more fireside not story worthy but always been curious about why someone would prefer running goldeneye or perfect dark over the other also curious about how running the games was seen once ports like 1964 became available and how the-elite's community took to it

[@endeav0r_49]

This video is so cozy and soothing i just play it while studying

[@haezz4027]

Love it. I wish there was an rwhitegoose-esque channel/streamer for perfect dark. Great work my man

[@gunnarr.2991]

Fireside videos are great - keep up the good work!

[@jf4156]

These have been my sleep aid for years

[@grahamgebuschisholm]

Love this side of your videos. Definitely need more of these!!

[@sAkAtede]

Hush and gather around kids. Uncle goose is gonna tell a story. Love this channel even though I'm not thst much into speedrunning

[@dandadnandan5661]

Goose, your videos are perfect for going to sleep, or just relaxing. Good show mate.

[@zeldera]

Do more of these talks in this environment

[@TwoGunToast]

If nobody liked or trusted them then how did they end up as admins? I've never heard of someone being disliked by an online community and then that same person becomes administrator over that same community.

[@GanonTEK]

Putting rockets away in the ending cutscene on Frigate was hilarious

[@tylerharvey553]

I just started the video but the fireside scenery got me gigglin already

[@StinkyBlack1]

this is like gamer asmr. you have a good voice and mic, you should do a book on librivox, its like the wikipedia of audiobooks.

[@420happyhippy]

Love the cabin vibe. Keep em coming

[@aska221]

That place looks so cozy. Great video, Goose!