The Slipgate meme draws its inspiration from the iconic teleportation devices found in the 1996 first-person shooter Quake. In the game, Slipgates are interdimensional portals that transport players between realms, often leading them into intense battles against Lovecraftian horrors. As a meme, the Slipgate represents a point of no return or a sudden transition into a chaotic, overwhelming, or completely different situation. It is frequently used by the retro gaming community to celebrate speedrunning, the intensity of 'boomer shooters,' or the relatable feeling of entering a difficult life situation with nothing but a shotgun and a little bit of hope.