On hearing the news of ABC cutting its long-running television program on video games, Good Game, Australian gamers reacted in the best way they know how.
Within hours of the show releasing an official statement on Twitter about its demise, fans began showing their allegiance by using hashtag #putoutyourcontrollers started by @murrayfrance.
I got my first console last year purely because @GoodGameTV and @GGPocketeers got me wanting to play games. #putoutyourcontrollers pic.twitter.com/mqkrop2Jtt
— Hannah Murray (@murrayfrance) January 31, 2017
The post urges fans to show their respect by taking a photo of console handsets and posting them on Twitter with the hashtag, and many have followed suit.
#putoutyourcontrollers #ggtv @bajopants @hexsteph @GoodGameTV @goosemangus @NichBoy @JLaG013 @Pierreth ill miss all the joy you guys gave me pic.twitter.com/he9HQJWaD1
— darkchapy♏️ (@Darkchapy2) January 31, 2017
I'm putting out my controllers for Good Game, a truly sad day for all Australian gamers #ggtv @GoodGameTV #putoutyourcontrollers pic.twitter.com/BDoUbmvimx
— Jake D. (@JakeMuso27) January 31, 2017
Thank you all so much for your support. It means the world. #putoutyourcontrollers #ggtv pic.twitter.com/pv2lUJsT2X
— Good Game (@GoodGameTV) January 31, 2017
Good Game remains at the longest running gaming TV program in Australia, surviving more than ten years and big changes in the industry.
"Sad news," reads the official statement on Twitter, and goes on to cite the departure of two key presenters as well as "changes in the way audiences are choosing to get their information about gaming" as reasons for the show's demise.
Departing host Stephanie Bendixsen also offered her thoughts.
There are no words to describe how upsetting it is to share this news with you today.
— Stephanie Bendixsen (@hexsteph) January 31, 2017
Good… https://t.co/xKzBOmeytg
The ABC also said they will retain Spawn Point, a teen-targetted spin-off program, albeit in a "new format".