Super new. I really enjoy watching speedrunning videos and think the whole idea is cool. I just remembered an old ps2 game i used to play and so i thought i should try speedrunning it, because its not too competitive at the moment. i have no idea how to add a timer or record gameplay but idk ill figure it out

Hello there, welcome!

If you're looking to run a PS2 game, chances are emulators won't be allowed, so you'll probably be running it on console. In that case, to record your gameplay you'll need to either buy a capture card or to record the screen by hand using a phone or a camera (checking if the game's leaderboard allows this method of recording first).

As for a timer, you can edit it into the video after the run. If you're looking for a digital timer, Livesplit should work nicely for you (it sure does for most runners).

If you have any questions feel free to ask. Best of luck!

oh wow I didnt even think about just recording my screen. thats way easier.

uh since you asked if i had questions, do you happen to know if a backwards-compatible ps3 that can run ps2 games counts as a console or an emulator. Im pretty sure it counts as a consle but if its an emulator Im out of luck.

thanks!

Well, first off, some of the older PS3 models are actually just backwards compatible and play PS2 games natively (meaning you can't really consider them an emulator under any circumstance), but later models did eventually get to the point where they end up fully emulating the PS2 to play those games, so you could consider those models as being ran on emulator. In general I'd just list it as "ran on PS3", but that's just me.

Now, on the topic of this being allowed/disallowed (which I assume is what you're actually worried about): While at a single glance it might seem like a bit of a grey area, but a good rule of thumb is that if it's an official release (ie. you're playing on an original unmodified console) then the consensus is that it should be allowed. I say should because rules may vary between game to game, so it wouldn't hurt to ask at the game's leaderboard forums to see their opinion on the matter (they have the final say after all).

@GeneralLDS As far as leaderboards go, official hardware is generally categorized separately from emulators, even if said hardware is emulating. Likely what you would do in your situation is just select PS3 as the console and submit it with the PS2 runs, though of course check the rules for the game you’re running for specific details.

Oh wow ok.

I checked the game i wanted to speedrun and I'm pretty sure emulators are allowed, and the ps3 model i have is a launch model so its not emulating i dont think. The only issue I have is that ps3 isnt a console option for submitting runs but I asked someone on the official discord and im hoping they get back to me soon.

im so excited about this. I can probably get a good time and then I can gain the confidence to try speedrunning harder and more competitive games. and you guys are so helpful and knowledgable and i really appreciate the assistance!