Popular video critic and YouTube personality John Bain, known by millions as TotalBiscuit and the Cynical Brit, died at age 33 on Thursday.
A tweet on his account confirmed the news Thursday afternoon and his wife, Genna, shared a poem in his honor. She also shared that Bain died while doing what he loved most—reviewing video games.
“Do you know what’s strange but kind of lovely? During the hepatic coma he was slipping into several hours before passing, TB was still reviewing and talking about @FortniteGame in his sleep,” she tweeted.
John Peter Bain
— TotalBiscuit (@Totalbiscuit) May 24, 2018
July 8, 1984 – May 24, 2018 pic.twitter.com/XchUMNDYXC
Rest in Peace my Dearest Love
— Genna Bain (@GennaBain) May 24, 2018
John @Totalbiscuit Bain
July 8, 1984 – May 24, 2018 pic.twitter.com/hg9ytHsItJ
Please forgive my lack of response to every message at this time. I’m more overwhelmed with grief than I could possibly express. Friends/family, please know that I will notify you all of any memorial service planned for John.
— Genna Bain (@GennaBain) May 25, 2018
Do you know what’s strange but kind of lovely? During the hepatic coma he was slipping into several hours before passing, TB was still reviewing and talking about @FortniteGame in his sleep.
— Genna Bain (@GennaBain) May 25, 2018
Bain retired from reviewing games in April after bowel cancer spread to his liver. He battled cancer on and off since 2014 but had been in remission until 2018. In his final health update on Reddit, he explained he’d accepted he didn’t have much longer to live and while he planned to remain active on YouTube and Twitch, he was also going to be dedicating more time to his family.
“Obviously we’re going to keep looking for other trials but I’m currently coming to terms with the fact that I don’t have long left and right now at any rate, there is literally nothing I can do about it other than try to manage the pain as best as possible and stay as hydrated as possible to ease the pressure on the liver,” he said.
Since the news of his death, many members of the gaming community have expressed their grief and sent their condolences to his wife.
John Bain’s opinionated game critiques and sense of humor led to him becoming one of the most prominent voices in the gaming industry. The emote bearing his face represents the indelible mark that he has left on Twitch.
— Twitch (@Twitch) May 25, 2018
Thank you for everything, TotalBiscuit.
https://twitter.com/PLAYERUNKNOWN/status/999898265721044998
Thank you for everything. You will be missed @Totalbiscuit. pic.twitter.com/3gTamn9lcF
— Overwatch Esports (@OW_Esports) May 25, 2018
We’re saddened to hear about the loss of John @TotalBiscuit Bain. Many at the studio were fans and friends of him and he will be sorely missed. He’s been a friend of the franchise and a giant of the industry, and will be remembered at CA. Our condolences to his family. RIP.
— Total War (@totalwar) May 25, 2018
I’m terrible at goodbyes, John. You were my mentor, partner, and most importantly – friend. You always tried to act so serious, but were really a giant goofball. Getting you to show the world that was my constant goal and supreme joy. Thank you for being in my life @Totalbiscuit pic.twitter.com/4PqMAk9U3K
— Jesse Cox (@JesseCox) May 25, 2018
Really sad about @totalbiscuit passing. I always admired his way of cutting through the bullshit – how he was never afraid of anyone or anything. He helped us get started and promoted the first Jingle Jam, and I’ll never forget laughing together as we were blown up by ARSE mines.
— Lewis Brindley (@YogscastLewis) May 25, 2018
We’ve lost a great critical thinker today, but @Totalbiscuit influence on the industry will not be forgotten. You’ve inspired so many gamers to be smarter about their fav pastime. I fondly remember matching XCOM wits & trading photon torpedoes in our board games. RIP. Miss u man! pic.twitter.com/nzs4Ot4e2V
— Joe Vargas (@AngryJoeShow) May 25, 2018
Totalbiscuit was a powerful, intelligent voice that represented gamers everywhere. He left a mark on this industry that will persist forever.
— Cohh Carnage (@CohhCarnage) May 25, 2018
Cancer sucks but he handled it with positivity, pride and strength right to the end. We can all only hope to be that strong.
o7 <3
Spent a few hours tonight talking with mutual friends of @Totalbiscuit swapping stories and anecdotes and crying on each others shoulders.
— Boogie2988 (@Boogie2988) May 25, 2018
There are many who will remember him as the legend he was.
For those with harsh criticism, I ask this: who will cry at your passing?
I’m not ready to face reality in the wake of @Totalbiscuit’s passing. he had brought so much greatness to the world. to us.
— ♡♪!? (@SkyWilliams) May 24, 2018
i decided to share some fun memories in an attempt to give those grieving a smile.
i just
wish time could slow down today
Rest easy, Biscuit Bear. pic.twitter.com/KiCRYJPfoF
Bain left a controversial legacy in the gaming community.
He first rose to prominence in 2010 and eventually accumulated 2.2 million followers on YouTube. He was a major critic of many mainstream video games and a champion for smaller, lesser-known games. He was popularly known for his curated lists of game recommendations on the Steam store.
He was also criticized as an advocate for #GamerGate, a movement that began as a call for more ethical gaming journalism but resulted in targeted harassment of women.
Fans on Reddit, however, argue Bain should instead be celebrated as a passionate advocate for gaming consumers who supported indie developers through his videos and The Co-Optional Podcast.
