Video game industry has lost one of its champions to bowel cancer. John Bain - known as TotalBiscuit and the Cynical Brit video game critic - has died aged 33.

His youtube channel had more than 2.2m subscribers, yet he had retired from reviewing games earlier in April after his cancer spread to his liver.

He wrote a post on Reddit explaining that he did not have long left and announced his retirement.

His wife Genna tweeted a poem as a tribune to her husband After an official tweet confirming his death on his official account.

She wrote: "I'm more overwhelmed with grief than I could possibly express".

Mr Bain rose to prominence in 2010 by uploading gameplay videos and reviews to his YouTube channel.

He was a champion of many smaller, indie titles, producing videos where he shared his first impressions of new titles. He also curated lists of game recommendations on the Steam store.

Mr Bain was also an outspoken critic of many popular top-selling games. He said many developers sought to maximise profit at the expense of game play.

Video service Twitch, where Mr Bain live-streamed gaming sessions, thanked him for his contribution to the industry.

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.

Thank you for everything, TotalBiscuit. it said in a statement.

Prominent gamers took to Twitter to share their tributes.

@PLAYERUNKNOWN: "Truly saddened to hear we have lost @Totalbiscuit. He was a giant in our industry and will be sorely missed. R.I.P John Bain <3 "

Mr Bain first contracted bowel cancer in 2014 but under treatment the disease went into remission. However, the cancer returned and spread to his liver and spine.

What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?

• Bleeding from the bottom
• A change in your bowel habits lasting more than three weeks
• Abdominal pain, especially if severe
• A lump in your tummy
• Unexplained weight loss and tiredness

"Most people with these symptoms don't have bowel cancer. Other health problems can cause similar symptoms. But if you have one or more of these, or if things just do not feel right, go to see your GP."