ABC axes gaming show Good Game
The ABC has axed its long-running gaming program Good Game after 10 years.
The decision to end the show followed on from two key presenters announcing their decision to leave the program after the summer break.
In a statement shared across the show’s Twitter account, the ABC said: “In light of this major setback, and changes in the way audiences are choosing to get their information about gaming, the ABC has decided to end the long and successful run of the show. We plan to continue Spawn Point in a new format.”
Spawn Point is a spin-off show from Good Game targeted at younger market. It launched in 2010.
The ABC has said it expects “to retain all the remaining Good Game team”.
“The ABC would like to acknowledge the wonderful work of Janet Carr and all of the Good Gamers. Any show that makes it to a 10th birthday is something to be proud of,” the statement said.
“Good Game pioneered video game TV. Its commitment and innovation has been repeatedly and appropriately awarded. The show has had a tremendous run and plenty of adventures, none of which would have happened without the ongoing love and support of you, the GG community.”
The show first went to air in September 2006.
The axing of Good Game follows the resignation of ABC chief operating officer, David Pendelton, last week and the announced departure of director of television, Richard Finlayson.
The departures are the latest in what has become a turbulent time for the organisation since the arrival of new managing director, Michelle Guthrie, last April.
Since Guthrie, who worked at News Corp earlier in her career, joined, the organisation has seen a number of dramatic changes including the dropping of almost all music programs from Radio National. The staff for science TV show, Catalyst, were also axed.
During Guthrie’s first few months, The ABC also ceased its opinion site, The Drum.
In October, Guthrie set out “equal digital life” as the new mantra for the organisation’s content strategy.
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I can already hear the sighs of despair of the tens of thousands of early teen males as it sinks in that they won’t get a weekly fix of Stephanie ‘Hex’ Bendixsen.
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The Good Game community is one of the most diverse I have encountered, ranging across all genders, ages & ethnic backgrounds. It is an inclusive, productive community of fans that has helped bring people out of their shells, give them connections, & even help them develop skills & recognition for the amazing multimedia feedback loops. & that’s without even mentioning the intelligent, open, unbiased appraisal of gaming culture, through the best & the worst of its elements. It is pure ignorance & idiocy that has allowed this decision.
Also, it has NOT been widely reported that ABC cancelled the Good Game Pocket strand last year, before anybody quit. The ABC talks big about branching into the future & embracing new technology, which makes this act even more incomprehensible. Pocket was the online only strand of Good Game, & it had crossed all boundaries & developed a community online that branched into the real world & was creating something genuinely new & positive in Australian culture. For those who did not experience the living, breathing Good Game, please understand that for many it was a part of their lives & a way forward out of the narrows & darkness. This is a heartbreaking loss.
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Superbly put, Ben. Here’s hoping SBS pulls off a reverse David and Margret by picking up the ball that the ABC just dropped.
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That would be good. It’s rare to find a show that treats gaming with both respect and a lack of cynicism.
That said, it’s easy to criticise the ABC for dropping it, but given the constant restrictions on budgets some things have to give. I’m also very sceptical about the bias of having an ex-News person in charge.
Cuts to music, science, opinion and gaming – Murdoch will be happy.
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Grow up. Seriously. Grow the fuck up. I find it disgusting you think the success of this show is due to sex appeal. You should stop pretending to be mature and get a life. Jesus fucking christ.
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It’s kind of true George. I’ve witnessed the lines at PAX myself for her autograpgh
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