UK retailer GAME removes Valentine’s Day Ad on Twitter following accusations of mocking domestic abuse. The retailer is yet to comment.
GAME is the largest video game retailer in the UK and has an active social media presence. However, as reported by Eurogamer, the Valentine’s Day tweet received all kinds of attention, in the worst way.
Like GameStop in the United States, GAME also takes trade-ins for video games, consoles as well as mobile devices. The controversial tweet in question was promoting mobile phone trade-ins. However, the “humour” in the tweet wasn’t received well.
Using the hashtag “ValentinesDay,” the tweet read: “Love your phone as much as your console?” The tweet was accompanied by an image of three damaged mobile phones and one that was in good condition.
Not cool Game, not cool
The image used in the tweet had the following text: “Shhhhh baby, I ain’t gonna treat you like the others.” We could be wrong, but the tweet seems to use the very real issue of domestic violence with poorly implemented humour. Following an extremely negative backlash, the tweet was swiftly removed.
I’d like to say that no malice would have been intended, but seriously, who thought this was a clever idea? Eurogamer has reached out to GAME for a comment on the tweet.
I’ve also checked GAME’s social media, and there is no statement of apology by the retailer. Hopefully GAME will address this issue sooner rather than later. Because silence can be deafening.
IF YOU NEED HELP, REACH OUT
If you are suffering from domestic abuse of any kind, you can reach out for help and support by calling the Refuge 24-hour hotline on 0808 2000 247. Furthermore, you can also visit nationaldahelpline.co.uk.
Featured Image Credit: GAME Digital