TotalBiscuit

Bain studied law at De Montfort University. While there, he hosted an extreme metal music show on Demon FM.{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIKv9hYNF5w |title=Real Talk with TotalBiscuit |author=JP McDaniel |date=23 June 2012 |access-date=7 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201110304/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIKv9hYNF5w |archive-date=1 February 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all | via = YouTube}} He was diagnosed with dyspraxia.{{cite web |last1=Bain |first1=John |title=Sorry, diagnosed dyspraxic with a step-son who as you probably know has adhd and aspergers. This is a topic I care deeply about. |url=https://twitter.com/totalbiscuit/status/558618703890501634?lang=en |website=Twitter |access-date=22 May 2020}}

From 2005 to 2010, Bain ran World of Warcraft Radio, a popular World of Warcraft fan radio station that received special acknowledgment and recognition from Blizzard Entertainment, the developers and publishing team of World of Warcraft. Bain was invited to the annual BlizzCon event in 2005 to provide coverage of the event, where he met Genna Bain, his future wife and fellow YouTube personality.{{cite web|last=Bain|first=Genna|title=YouTube Playlist Depicting Genna's Adventures Living With John|url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3097F4202491676C|publisher=YouTube|access-date=19 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310071409/http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3097F4202491676C|archive-date=10 March 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} After Bain's tenure at World of Warcraft Radio, Bain began Cynicalbrit.com, where he posted more generalised gaming content.{{cite web| url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/wtf-is-totalbiscuit/0131995| title=WTF is... TotalBiscuit?| last=Calvin| first=Alex| date=6 May 2014| access-date=19 October 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228221426/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/wtf-is-totalbiscuit/0131995| archive-date=28 February 2015| url-status=live| df=dmy-all}}

In 2010 during the height of the Great Recession, Bain was laid off at his job at a financial advisory company.{{cite web|url=http://www.redbull.com/uk/en/games/stories/1331637336185/biggest-esports-celebrities-gaming|title=The biggest celebrities of eSports|first=Mike|last=Bembenek|website=Red Bull eSports|date=5 March 2014|access-date=13 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205124955/http://www.redbull.com/uk/en/games/stories/1331637336185/biggest-esports-celebrities-gaming|archive-date=5 February 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} Bain's unemployment coincided with the beta release of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, and he started producing videos of himself talking over gameplay on YouTube, hoping to earn money through the website's ad-revenue system. In the following weeks, the popularity of Bain's videos skyrocketed. A StarCraft 2 commentator named HuskyStarcraft approached Bain and invited him to The Game Station, a network of gaming channels on YouTube (now Polaris, a subnetwork of Maker Studios).

In late April 2014, Bain announced he had a precancerous mass in his colon, the first indications of bowel cancer, a condition with which two of his grandparents had also been diagnosed.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailydot.com/gaming/totalbiscuit-cancer-colon-video/|title="I almost got myself killed"—YouTube star TotalBiscuit opens up about cancer|last=Jaworski|first=Michelle|date=30 April 2014|work=The Daily Dot|access-date=29 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029165254/http://www.dailydot.com/gaming/totalbiscuit-cancer-colon-video/|archive-date=29 October 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} Within the month, Bain revealed that he had "full blown cancer" and was beginning chemotherapy treatments.{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2014/5/23/5745966/totalbiscuit-cancer-diagnosed | title = Web broadcaster John 'TotalBiscuit' Bain diagnosed with cancer | first = Dave | last = Tach | date = 23 May 2014 | access-date = 24 May 2018 | work = Polygon | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180525132907/https://www.polygon.com/2014/5/23/5745966/totalbiscuit-cancer-diagnosed | archive-date = 25 May 2018 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}

Bain reported in April 2015 that a CT scan showed a complete remission of the cancer. However, by October 2015, a newer CT scan showed that while the bowel cancer had been eliminated, the cancer had metastasised to his liver and was determined inoperable, with his doctors giving him a two-to-three-year life expectancy. Bain announced the disbanding of his eSports team Axiom upon this news.{{cite web | url = https://www.dailydot.com/upstream/totalbiscuit-john-bain-cancer-axiom/ | title = YouTube gamer TotalBiscuit reveals inoperable cancer, disbands esports team | first = Rae | last = Votta | date = 17 October 2015 | access-date = 24 May 2018 | work = The Daily Dot | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180525133605/https://www.dailydot.com/upstream/totalbiscuit-john-bain-cancer-axiom/ | archive-date = 25 May 2018 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }} By January 2016, Bain had also decided to distance himself from social media, while still focusing on making his game critique videos.{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/totalbiscuit-quits-social-media-with-emotional-goodbye-1754991166 | title = TotalBiscuit Quits Social Media With Emotional Goodbye | first = Patrick | last = Klepek | date = 25 January 2016 | access-date = 24 May 2018 | work = Kotaku | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180525132614/https://kotaku.com/totalbiscuit-quits-social-media-with-emotional-goodbye-1754991166 | archive-date = 25 May 2018 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}

On 23 September 2016, he reported that his cancer had mutated, and a targeted treatment had shrunk his liver tumor by over 50%, from {{cvt|5|cm}} to {{cvt|2|cm}}.{{cite tweet |last= Bain |first= John |user=Totalbiscuit |number=779352262997139456 |date=23 September 2016 |title= My cancer had mutated. My oncologist figured out a targeted treatment for it. 2 months on, tumor size is down over 50% |access-date= 21 April 2017}}{{cite tweet |last= Bain |first= John |user=Totalbiscuit |number=779352357498916866 |date=23 September 2016 |title=To put that into context, I had a 5cm long tumor in my liver. Its now 2cm and shrinking, after 4 treatments. |access-date=21 April 2017 }}

In October 2017, Bain appeared on the H3 Podcast, during which he discussed at length the current state of his cancer. He described his condition as "stable" (meaning the cancer was still present, but not spreading), and that it was stage IV cancer.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhhXku2Pj5E|title=H3 Podcast #35 - TotalBiscuit|date=21 October 2017|via=YouTube|work=H3 Podcast|access-date=22 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021215126/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhhXku2Pj5E|archive-date=21 October 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} On 22 November, Bain tweeted that his chemotherapy had stopped working, but that there were other types he could try. He also noted that the cancer had not spread, but that its growth had started again.{{Cite tweet|last=Bain|first=John|user=Totalbiscuit|number=933358029927575553|title=Yeah, this chemo has stopped working. Was gonna happen eventually. Thankfully there are more types, switching to another type. Not great. Not in another organ but, growth started again|date=22 November 2017}}

In mid-April 2018, Bain was hospitalised for extreme back pain, from which the doctors discovered that the cancer was growing, applying pressure on his spine. While he underwent a clinical trial to combat the spread, the doctors found that the cancer had become too resistant to medication and conventional chemotherapy would be ineffective; he was also informed that his liver was failing. The doctors transferred him to palliative care with the option to resume clinical treatment if a trial compatible with his failing liver became available. Because of this, knowing he did not have long left to live, Bain announced he was fully retiring from game criticism, believing he was no longer capable of performing his work at a level that would satisfy himself and his fans. He planned to continue his Co-Optional podcast with his wife Genna, with plans for her to take over the podcast in the event of his death.{{cite web | url = https://www.reddit.com/r/cynicalbritofficial/comments/8g4eoj/official_totalbiscuits_future/ | title = [Official] - TotalBiscuits future | first = John | last = Bain | website = Reddit | date = 1 May 2018 | access-date = 1 May 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180501030340/https://www.reddit.com/r/cynicalbritofficial/comments/8g4eoj/official_totalbiscuits_future/ | archive-date = 1 May 2018 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}{{cite web | url=https://kotaku.com/game-critic-totalbiscuit-says-hes-retiring-i-dont-have-1825681492 | title=Game Critic Totalbiscuit Says He's Retiring: 'I Don't Have Long Left' | date=1 May 2018 | publisher=Kotaku | last=Schreier | first=Jason | access-date=1 May 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502211108/https://kotaku.com/game-critic-totalbiscuit-says-hes-retiring-i-dont-have-1825681492 | archive-date=2 May 2018 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}{{cite web | url = http://www.newsweek.com/totalbiscuit-cancer-liver-terminal-youtuber-gaming-critic-failing-health-says-906740 | title = Totalbiscuit Cancer Update: Youtuber John Bain Liver Failing, Warns Fans 'I Don't Have Long Left' | first = Jason | last = Murdock | date = 1 May 2015 | access-date = 1 May 2015 | work = Newsweek | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180501120414/http://www.newsweek.com/totalbiscuit-cancer-liver-terminal-youtuber-gaming-critic-failing-health-says-906740 | archive-date = 1 May 2018 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}

On 24 May 2018, Bain's wife Genna announced through both her own and her husband's Twitter accounts that Bain had fallen into a hepatic coma and died.{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/game-critic-totalbiscuit-has-died-1826310517 | title = Game Critic Totalbiscuit Has Died | first = Nathan | last = Grayson | date = 24 May 2018 | access-date = 24 May 2018 | work = Kotaku | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180525002038/https://kotaku.com/game-critic-totalbiscuit-has-died-1826310517 | archive-date = 25 May 2018 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-44250597|title=YouTube star TotalBiscuit dies aged 33|date=25 May 2018|work=BBC|access-date=25 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525093054/http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-44250597|archive-date=25 May 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}[https://gamerant.com/total-biscuit-dead-john-bain/ Video Game Critic John 'Total Biscuit' Bain Passes Away – Game Rant] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527202551/https://gamerant.com/total-biscuit-dead-john-bain/ |date=27 May 2018 }}. Gamerant.com (1984-07-08). Retrieved on 2018-05-27.

Multiple video game companies have released media with references and memorials to Bain. On 7 June 2018, Old School RuneScape developers Jagex added a grave to the game world decorated with a top hat, with the message "He was always there to ask and answer one simple question".[https://oldschool.runescape.wiki/w/Slepe#Trivia] {{unreliable source|date=August 2024}} Shortly after, on 9 September 2018, Blizzard Entertainment created a commemorative bundle in honor of Bain, with all sales profits going directly to Genna and their son, Orion.{{cite web|url=https://starcraft2.com/en-us/news/22481041|title=Commemorative Bundle|date=9 September 2018|website=Starcraft2.com|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|access-date=5 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122203111/https://starcraft2.com/en-us/news/22481041|archive-date=22 November 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web |title=StarCraft II is getting a TotalBiscuit commemorative bundle |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/starcraft-2/starcraft-2-totalbiscuit-bundle |website=PCGamesN |date=10 September 2018 |access-date=1 April 2022}} Two years after his death, the video game Doom Eternal features an easter egg of a top hat and a plaque reading "Slay Cancer", referencing Bain.{{cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/doom-eternal-the-10-best-secrets-you-likely-missed/|title=Doom Eternal: The 10 Best Secrets You Likely Missed

|date=17 April 2020|last=Burgar|first=Charles|website=TheGamer|access-date=6 August 2021}}

Bain was posthumously inducted into the ESL Esports Hall of Fame, and is the first non-competitive player to receive the honor.{{cite web |last1=Carpenter |first1=Nicole |title=John "TotalBiscuit" Bain will be inducted into the Esports Hall of Fame |url=https://dotesports.com/culture/news/john-totalbiscuit-bain-will-be-inducted-into-the-esports-hall-of-fame |website=Dot Esports |access-date=1 April 2022 |date=19 October 2018}}{{cite web |title=TotalBiscuit Inducted Into Esports Hall Of Fame As First Non-Player |url=https://www.thegamer.com/totalbiscuit-inducted-esports-hall-of-fame/ |website=TheGamer |access-date=1 April 2022 |date=31 October 2018}}

On 22 July 2018, the "Halibut Cannon" weapon, visually a halibut wearing a top hat and monocle with a gun barrel attached to the front, was introduced into Terraria{{'}}s "Calamity" mod in honor of Bain.{{Cite web |title=Halibut Cannon |url=https://calamitymod.wiki.gg/wiki/Halibut_Cannon |access-date=2023-09-30 |website=Calamity Mod Wiki |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=1.3.4.001 |url=https://calamitymod.wiki.gg/wiki/1.3.4.001 |access-date=2023-09-30 |website=Calamity Mod Wiki |language=en}}

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was dedicated to Bain in memoriam.{{cite web |last1=Craig |first1=Jo |title=Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Pays Tribute to YouTuber TotalBiscuit |url=https://gamerant.com/warhammer-40000-space-marine-2-totalbiscuit-tribute/ |website=Game Rant |language=en |date=6 September 2024}} Bain previously featured its predecessor, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, in his WTF is...? series, to much enjoyment.

Bain stated that the name TotalBiscuit was a quote taken from the Terry Pratchett novel Carpe Jugulum: "Besides, thought Agnes, I know for a fact there's people out there called Syphilidae Wilson and Yodel Lightley and Total Biscuit."{{Cite web|last=TotalBiscuit|date=3 October 2012|title=Ask TotalBiscuit Anything - Director's Cut - Part 3|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=536&v=7jWqQs9j4sY&feature=youtu.be|access-date=16 January 2021|website=YouTube}}

The moniker Cynical Brit came from the original introduction to his Blue Plz! radio broadcast: "Ladies and gentlemen, do not be alarmed, a Cynical Brit has been allowed on the air with a microphone. You will listen or the kitten we have hostage will be forced to fight a giant badger. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Blue Plz! Enjoy."{{Cite web|last=Zejgar|date=14 February 2013|title=Blue Plz! - Season 1 Episode 1 - Part 1: "The world wide web world"|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFIW0EXGLfc|access-date=16 January 2021|website=YouTube}}

TotalHalibut was Bain's online name in PlanetSide: "I started off in the Halibuts which was our old guild from PlanetSide...that's where TotalHalibut comes from. Everyone who used to play in the Halibuts, Halibuts used to be a guild in PlanetSide that anyone could join, and, you basically, you made an alt to play in it and you had to have the word halibut in your name to play."{{Cite web|last=wowcrendor|date=5 June 2015|title=Fishing with Crendor Ep 4: Totalbiscuit {{!}} WoWcrendor|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=958&v=E-351cq2vao&feature=youtu.be|access-date=16 January 2021|website=YouTube}}

The main source of Bain's publicity was his primary YouTube channel, where he posted what he described as "variety gaming content" as part of the YouTube gaming network Polaris. His most popular videos belonged to his "WTF is...?" series, a series of first impressions on video games. He was described by Will Porter of Eurogamer as a "champion of indie gaming" and YouTube's foremost "love him or hate him" personality.{{cite web|last=Porter|first=Will|title=The cult of TotalBiscuit|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-11-14-the-cult-of-totalbiscuit|date=14 November 2012|access-date=24 May 2018|work=Eurogamer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527202941/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-11-14-the-cult-of-totalbiscuit|archive-date=27 May 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} The same critic suggested Bain's online popularity was due to his voice having a "tone of authority", while Bain himself believed that his candour and personality were key to his success. Prior to his death in May 2018, Bain had over 2.2 million subscribers to his YouTube channel.

TotalBiscuit was the top Steam curator for several years, with over 800,000 followers at the time of his death.{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/5/24/17392456/totalbiscuit-john-bain-obituary | title = Game critic John 'TotalBiscuit' Bain dies at 33 | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = 24 May 2018 | access-date = 24 May 2018 | work = Polygon | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180525070420/https://www.polygon.com/2018/5/24/17392456/totalbiscuit-john-bain-obituary | archive-date = 25 May 2018 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}{{cite web|url=http://store.steampowered.com/curators/topcurators/|title=Top Steam Curators|access-date=27 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122050737/http://store.steampowered.com/curators/topcurators|archive-date=22 January 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} Because of his popularity, Valve, which manages Steam, invited Bain and another gaming critic, James Stephanie Sterling, to their headquarters to help discuss how to improve the Steam's storefront and discovery tools in 2017.{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/valve-is-revamping-the-way-steam-recommends-games/ | title = Valve is revamping the way Steam recommends games | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = 3 April 2017 | access-date = 24 May 2018 | work = PC Gamer | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180615083221/https://www.pcgamer.com/valve-is-revamping-the-way-steam-recommends-games/ | archive-date = 15 June 2018 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}

Apart from his "WTF is...?" series, Bain hosted the "Content Patch" programme (started from 30 October 2012, ended 15 July 2016) in which he addressed gaming news and comments.{{cite web | title = YouTuber TotalBiscuit diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer, given 2-3 years to live | url = https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/youtuber-totalbiscuit-diagnosed-inoperable-liver-cancer-given-2-3-years-live-1524255 | first = Ben | last = Skipper | date = 16 October 2015 | access-date = 24 May 2018 | work = International Business Times | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162622/https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/youtuber-totalbiscuit-diagnosed-inoperable-liver-cancer-given-2-3-years-live-1524255 | archive-date = 12 June 2018 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }} Bain also hosted The Game Station Podcast and was a host of the Co-Optional Podcast, where he discussed games and gaming news with YouTube personalities Jesse Cox and Brooke "Dodger" Thorne along with a guest. It was live-streamed every Tuesday on his Twitch channel.{{cite web | url = http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2017/08/16/totalbiscuit-on-dealing-with-the-hate | title = TotalBiscuit on Dealing with the Hate | first = Laura Kate | last = Dale | date = 16 August 2017 | access-date = 24 May 2018 | work = Kotaku | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180525134601/http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2017/08/16/totalbiscuit-on-dealing-with-the-hate | archive-date = 25 May 2018 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}

In 2016, Twitch added a LUL emoji, sketched from a photo of Bain laughing, which has since become one of the most popular emojis on Twitch.{{cite web |url=https://www.cybersport.ru/news/ushel-iz-zhizni-dzhon-totalbiscuit-bein |title=Ушел из жизни Джон TotalBiscuit Бейн |date=25 May 2018 |work=cybersport.ru |access-date=29 January 2019 |language=ru |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130053457/https://www.cybersport.ru/news/ushel-iz-zhizni-dzhon-totalbiscuit-bein |archive-date=30 January 2019 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} In the 2022 r/place social experiment project hosted on Reddit, a recreation of the LUL emoji was constructed in the middle of the canvas as a memorial for Bain.{{Cite web |title=Reddit's r/place: Egalitarian, Chaotic Online Masterpiece |url=https://whynow.co.uk/read/reddits-r-place-egalitarian-chaotic-online-masterpiece/ |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=whynow |date=4 April 2022 |language=en}}

File:Dreamhack summer 2011 081.jpg

In October 2013, Wild Games Studio made a copyright claim against Bain's negative "WTF Is... ?" critique of their game Day One: Garry's Incident, which resulted in the video being taken down, despite having issued Bain with a review copy for the game, and use of copyrighted material for criticism being allowed under fair use. Bain's follow-up video responding to the takedown attracted press attention and leveled further criticism against Wild Games Studio, which resulted in the studio retracting its request.{{cite web|url=http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20131021/00080224939/copyright-as-censorship-again-game-developer-takes-down-scathing-youtube-review.shtml|title=Copyright As Censorship Again: Game Developer Takes Down Scathing YouTube Review|last=Masnick|first=Mike|date=21 October 2013|access-date=29 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204013855/https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20131021/00080224939/copyright-as-censorship-again-game-developer-takes-down-scathing-youtube-review.shtml|archive-date=4 December 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/128860-Day-One-Garrys-Incident-Devs-Accused-of-Censoring-Bad-Review|title=Day One: Garry's Incident Devs Accused of Censoring Bad Review|last=Slabaugh|first=Brett|date=21 October 2013|access-date=29 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020230216/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/128860-Day-One-Garrys-Incident-Devs-Accused-of-Censoring-Bad-Review|archive-date=20 October 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Developers-Try-Legally-Blocking-Negative-Criticism-Day-One-Garry-Incident-60013.html|title=Developers Try Legally Blocking Negative Criticism Of Day One: Garry's Incident|last=Usher|first=William|date=20 October 2013|access-date=29 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023210047/http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Developers-Try-Legally-Blocking-Negative-Criticism-Day-One-Garry-Incident-60013.html|archive-date=23 October 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}

In July 2014, an online debate about the ethics of YouTube gaming channels was sparked as a result of a survey revealing that some YouTube vloggers received monetary compensation from game developers or publishers in return for recording videos of their games.{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/pay-for-play-the-ethics-of-paying-for-youtuber-coverage|title=Pay for Play: The ethics of paying for YouTuber coverage|last=Rose|first=Mike|access-date=25 May 2017|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140923105930/http://gamasutra.com/view/news/219671/Pay_for_Play_The_ethics_of_paying_for_YouTuber_coverage.php|archive-date=23 September 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} In response to this discussion, Bain announced on Twitter that he would "be clearly disclosing promotional videos in a splash screen at the start of the video". Disclaimers had previously appeared in the description fields of his videos, but Bain felt this was no longer good enough because YouTube videos that are embedded or that are displayed with certain apps omit that information.{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/prominent-youtuber-makes-paid-for-video-disclosure-more-explicit|title=Prominent YouTuber makes paid-for video disclosure more explicit|last=Wawro|first=Alex|access-date=25 May 2017|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908111519/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/221129/Prominent_YouTuber_makes_paidfor_video_disclosure_more_explicit.php|archive-date=8 September 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}

Alongside his own Steam Curators channel, Bain founded the "Framerate Police" Curator group, intended to review games which reportedly had been locked to a 30 frames-per-second frame rate and determine if a higher frame rate was possible, as higher frame rate games typically look better and may be more responsive to player input. Bain said of the group's purpose "One of the biggest frustrations for people like that is when a game prevents them from getting the performance their hardware is capable of due to arbitrary limitations within the software itself and one of the most obvious and jarring that has such a big impact on how a game plays, is a 30 frames per second (or lower) lock."{{cite web | url = https://steamed.kotaku.com/the-story-behind-steam-s-framerate-police-1732590111 | title = The Story Behind Steam's 'Framerate Police' | first = Nathan | last = Grayson | date = 23 September 2015 | access-date = 24 May 2018 | work = Kotaku | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180525204549/https://steamed.kotaku.com/the-story-behind-steam-s-framerate-police-1732590111 | archive-date = 25 May 2018 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}

In October 2014, whereas traditional video game review outlets were unable to obtain early access to the video game Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, Bain revealed that YouTube vloggers had been offered early access to the game in exchange for agreeing to a restrictive contract which required them to be positive about it.{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/the-messy-story-behind-youtubers-taking-money-for-game-1644092214|title=The Messy Story Behind YouTubers Taking Money For Game Coverage|last=Grayson|first=Nathan|date=8 October 2014|access-date=19 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018170237/http://kotaku.com/the-messy-story-behind-youtubers-taking-money-for-game-1644092214|archive-date=18 October 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/youtubers-required-to-persuade-viewers-to-purchase-in-return-for-shadow-of-mordor-review-code-report-claims/0139469|title=YouTubers required to be positive in return for Shadow of Mordor review code, report claims|last=Parfitt|first=Ben|date=7 October 2014|access-date=19 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018035856/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/youtubers-required-to-persuade-viewers-to-purchase-in-return-for-shadow-of-mordor-review-code-report-claims/0139469|archive-date=18 October 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/jimquisition/9782-Shadow-of-Mordors-Promotion-Deals-with-Plaid-Social|title=Shadiness of Mordor|last=Sterling|first=Jim|date=6 October 2014|access-date=19 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018051705/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/jimquisition/9782-Shadow-of-Mordors-Promotion-Deals-with-Plaid-Social|archive-date=18 October 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} Federal Trade Commission rules require paid promotional deals on YouTube to be disclosed.{{cite web|url=http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Shadow-Mordor-Review-Contract-Causes-Ruckus-Gaming-Industry-67801.html|title=Shadow of Mordor Review Contract Causes Ruckus in the Gaming Industry|last=Usher|first=William|date=13 October 2014|access-date=19 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016032600/http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Shadow-Mordor-Review-Contract-Causes-Ruckus-Gaming-Industry-67801.html|archive-date=16 October 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://adland.tv/adnews/steam-and-twitch-now-requiring-disclosure-sponsored-content/393865364|title=Steam and Twitch now requiring disclosure of sponsored content|author=kidsleepy|date=6 October 2014|access-date=19 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010043242/http://adland.tv/adnews/steam-and-twitch-now-requiring-disclosure-sponsored-content/393865364|archive-date=10 October 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}

Bain became involved in the Gamergate harassment campaign after discovering that a YouTube vlogger had received a DMCA notice for a video in which Zoë Quinn was discussed, arguing that removing the video would cause another instance of the Streisand effect.{{cite web | url = https://www.dailydot.com/parsec/zoe-quinn-depression-quest-gaming-sex-scandal/ | title = The sexist crusade to destroy game developer Zoe Quinn | first = Aja | last = Romero | date = August 20, 2014 | access-date = November 25, 2018 | work = The Daily Dot | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181123144401/https://www.dailydot.com/parsec/zoe-quinn-depression-quest-gaming-sex-scandal/ | archive-date = 23 November 2018 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/bitwise/2014/08/zoe_quinn_harassment_a_letter_to_a_young_male_gamer.html|title=Letter to a Young Male Gamer|last=Auerbach|first=David|work=Slate|date=27 August 2014|access-date=29 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029160810/http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/bitwise/2014/08/zoe_quinn_harassment_a_letter_to_a_young_male_gamer.html|archive-date=29 October 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} Bain subsequently discussed the ethical and professional concerns relevant to the video games press, and stated that he believed that many of the ethical concerns raised during the controversy were valid or deserved to be addressed.{{cite web| url=http://pixelattacks.com/p/totalbiscuit-sums-up-gamergate-in-one-video/| title=I will now ramble about games media for just under 30 minutes| last=Bain| first=John| date=9 September 2014| access-date=19 October 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104161326/http://pixelattacks.com/p/totalbiscuit-sums-up-gamergate-in-one-video/| archive-date=4 November 2014| url-status=live| df=dmy-all}}{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpmIrWqEUUU&list=PLuL6XU7AbX_zmBXe8HDY1oW5iyNWS4_En|title=Ethics in Games Media: Stephen Totilo of Kotaku comes to the table to discuss|date=29 October 2014|access-date=3 November 2014|work=TotalBiscuit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204023319/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpmIrWqEUUU&list=PLuL6XU7AbX_zmBXe8HDY1oW5iyNWS4_En|archive-date=4 February 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all| via = YouTube}}{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaMccosnRMc|title=#GamerGate: TotalBiscuit on Ethics, Was Offered Free Stuff for Reviews|date=30 October 2014|access-date=3 November 2014|work=The David Pakman Show|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101230836/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaMccosnRMc|archive-date=1 November 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all|via = YouTube}} He stated that the harassment associated with Gamergate was the result of lone actors who wanted to provoke conflict among the people involved in the controversy.{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/gamergate-hate-affects-both-sides-so-how-about-we-end-it|title=GamerGate Hate Affects Both Sides, So How About We End It?|last=Diver|first=Mike|work=Vice|date=20 October 2014|access-date=21 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021023736/http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/gamergate-hate-affects-both-sides-so-how-about-we-end-it|archive-date=21 October 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} Bain interviewed Stephen Totilo of Kotaku about the Gamergate controversy in general, and specifically about Gamergate supporters' concerns with regard to Kotaku's ethics and professionalism.

On 3 April 2017, Gearbox Publishing announced a partnership with G2A for exclusive collector's editions of Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition, to be created and sold by G2A.{{cite press release | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/295151/Gearbox_Publishing_and_G2ACOM_team_up_on_a_collectorrsquosedition_of_Bulletstorm_Full_Clip_Edition.php | title = Gearbox Publishing and G2A.COM team up on a collector's edition of Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition | publisher = Gamasutra | date = 3 April 2017 | access-date = 6 April 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170407003306/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/295151/Gearbox_Publishing_and_G2ACOM_team_up_on_a_collectorrsquosedition_of_Bulletstorm_Full_Clip_Edition.php | archive-date = 7 April 2017 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }} Bain was critical of this move, citing G2A's negative press coverage as well as accusations made against the company, and threatened to withhold covering Bulletstorm, or any other Gearbox game, unless Gearbox cancelled the deal. On 6 April 2017, one day before Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition was due for release, Gearbox published a list of ultimatums made together with Bain for G2A to accept, or else it would back out of the deal. The ultimatums focused on G2A's Shield service, an open API for game developers, and G2A's payment system.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/gearbox-partners-with-g2a-then-vows-to-back-out-unless-g2a-takes-steps-to-fight-fraud | title = Gearbox partners with G2A, then vows to back out unless G2A takes steps to fight fraud | first = Alex | last = Wawro | date = 6 April 2017 | access-date = 6 April 2017 | work = Gamasutra | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170407135619/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/295594/Gearbox_partners_with_G2A_then_vows_to_back_out_unless_G2A_takes_steps_to_fight_fraud.php | archive-date = 7 April 2017 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }} The following day, Gearbox Publishing publicly announced that it was ending its cooperation with G2A, due to a lack of response from the company concerning the ultimatums.{{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2017/4/7/15223622/g2a-gearbox-bulletstorm-ultimatum-collectors-edition | title = G2A's relationship with Gearbox ends with the launch of Bulletstorm remake | first = Charlie | last = Hall | date = 7 April 2017 | access-date = 7 April 2017 | work = Polygon | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170408082905/http://www.polygon.com/2017/4/7/15223622/g2a-gearbox-bulletstorm-ultimatum-collectors-edition | archive-date = 8 April 2017 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }} G2A responded to the assertions on 10 April 2017 stating, "All of the requests made of G2A.COM in the ultimatum have in fact long been part of our marketplace", and ascribed the problems to the unfamiliarities that Bain and Gearbox have in regard to how G2A operates its marketplace.{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-04-10-g2a-responds-to-gearboxs-withdrawal-and-totalbiscuits-demands | title = G2A responds to Gearbox's withdrawal and TotalBiscuit's demands | first = Jeffrey | last = Matulef | website = Eurogamer | date = 10 April 2017 | access-date = 10 April 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170410225927/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-04-10-g2a-responds-to-gearboxs-withdrawal-and-totalbiscuits-demands | archive-date = 10 April 2017 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}

In February 2012, Bain announced that he would be sponsoring Team Dignitas player BlinG: "The StarCraft community has given a lot to me and in turn I've had the opportunity to give back with SHOUTcraft Invitational. Now it is time to take it one step further and directly support a UK talent that I believe has the potential to be one of the best foreigners in the world."{{cite web|url=http://www.team-dignitas.net/articles/news/Team-Dignitas/977/TotalBiscuit-to-sponsor-BlinG/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130222053354/http://www.team-dignitas.net/articles/news/Team-Dignitas/977/TotalBiscuit-to-sponsor-BlinG/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=22 February 2013|title=TotalBiscuit to sponsor BlinG|access-date=15 November 2012|df=dmy-all}}

In August 2012, Bain offered to sponsor CranK, formerly a member of team SlayerS, to compete in the MLG Pro Circuit 2012-Summer Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.d-esports.com/11675/crank-offered-sponsorship-from-totalbiscuit-for-mlg-raleigh/|title=Crank Offered Sponsorship from TotalBiscuit for MLG Raleigh|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020183025/http://www.d-esports.com/11675/crank-offered-sponsorship-from-totalbiscuit-for-mlg-raleigh/|archive-date=20 October 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}

On 26 September 2012, Bain and his wife Genna announced the creation of Team Axiom, with Bain and HuskyStarCraft as the team's sponsors and CranK, renamed to AxCrank at the time, as their first player.{{cite web|url=http://www.d-esports.com/13754/cynicalbrit-announce-axiom-esports/|title=Definitive esports news article- Axiom esports announced|access-date=15 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102135509/http://www.d-esports.com/13754/cynicalbrit-announce-axiom-esports/|archive-date=2 November 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} The group joined with Team Acer to form the team Axiom-Acer to participate in the GOMTV Global StarCraft II Team League.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdjHWOpeJI0/ |title=Axiom to participate in the GSTL |website=YouTube |date=14 January 2013 |access-date=28 March 2013}} The Axiom roster consisted of AxCrank, AxAlicia, AxHeart and AxRyung.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}

On 15 October 2015, Bain announced the dissolution of Team Axiom because of the return of his cancer and a lack of recent success for the team.{{cite web|url=http://www.axiomesports.com/articles/news/axiom-esports/118/Axiom-comes-to-an-end/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017204817/http://www.axiomesports.com/articles/news/axiom-esports/118/Axiom-comes-to-an-end/|archive-date=2015-10-17|title=Axiom comes to an end. on AxiomEsports|access-date=16 October 2015}}

Bain was a runner-up in the Golden Joystick 2012, in category Greatest YouTube Gamer.{{cite web |url=http://www.goldenjoystick.com/about |title=Golden Joystick Award Winners 2012 |access-date=13 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026180614/http://www.goldenjoystick.com/about |archive-date=26 October 2012 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} He has been recognised on several prominent gaming sites including Technorati{{cite web |url=http://technorati.com/entertainment/gaming/article/an-interview-with-john-totalbiscuit-bain |title=An Interview With John "TotalBiscuit" Bain – Technorati Gaming |publisher=Technorati.com |date=12 September 2011 |access-date=26 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601152041/http://technorati.com/entertainment/gaming/article/an-interview-with-john-totalbiscuit-bain |archive-date=1 June 2013 |df=dmy-all }} and Eurogamer. Bain won the 2012 Battle Royale organised by King of the Web and donated his winnings to the non-profit organisation Charity: Water.{{cite web|url=http://kingofweb.com/pages/battleroyale |title=Battle Royale 2012 results page |access-date=7 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022101711/http://kingofweb.com/pages/battleroyale |archive-date=22 October 2012 }} In 2014, he was an entrant in MCV's Brit List. TotalBiscuit has been nominated for a Shorty Award.{{cite web|url=http://shortyawards.com/totalbiscuit|title=TotalBiscuit|work=shortyawards.com|access-date=20 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219035452/http://shortyawards.com/Totalbiscuit|archive-date=19 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} On 5 December 2014, Bain received a Fan's Choice The Game Award in the category "Trending Gamer".{{cite web |url=http://thegameawards.com/nominees/ |title=The Game Awards Nominees 2014 |access-date=6 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114024126/http://thegameawards.com/nominees/ |archive-date=14 November 2015 |df=dmy-all }}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:TotalBiscuit}}

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