ABC: Good Gamer “made life difficult”

ABC TV has issued a further statement in the light of the online feud that has spilled out from behind ABC2’s Good Game.

It denies statements made by Jeremy ‘Junglist’ Ray (pictured, left) that he was replaced because of gender and blames his behind the scenes performance allegedly making life “difficult for the rest of the team.”

Ray made comment on the Good Game message board following a joint statement issued by the members of the team that he has been replaced was because “they wanted a girl on the show.”

A spokesperson from ABC has today issued the following statement to TV Tonight:

The ABC categorically dismisses Jeremy Ray’s assertion that he was replaced because of his gender.

The reason for replacing Jeremy Ray was ongoing behind the scenes performance based issues. Jeremy Ray’s performance issues were severely impacting the quality and smooth-running of the show, as well as making life difficult for the rest of the team.

Replacing Jeremy Ray has nothing to do with “mass appeal” and a desire to get a female host on the show. The Good Game team is sad and disappointed he has taken this attitude. The program already enjoys mass appeal to its target audience. His replacement was nothing to do with getting a female, it was a matter of getting the best possible person for the job.

Stephanie Bendixsen is a modern young gamer with a passion for video games and for the culture that surrounds them, Hex will present pertinent, intelligent and engaging video game information in an interesting and accessible way.

At its heart Good Game will be exactly the same it has always been – the show for gamers by gamers – with a new energy and fresh perspectives on gaming. In addition to the existing program, in 2010 Good Game’s on air presence will expand to include Good Game: SP on ABC3 – a show catering to the needs of younger gamers (8-15).

Earlier this week the network added a new co-host claiming it wanted to refresh the format.