It's because video games are no longer the "niche" hobby, since 2007 video games became "cool". "Cool" things tend to attract bandwagoners, paradises who lack onto something not because they like something, but because that something is popular, a way to be "in" with the "in crowd". Since these aren't enthusiasts they cannot think for themselves, so they just parrot whatever opinion is the loudest in order to make themselves sound smart - this is why they attacked you over your laptop (laptops aren't generally recommended for video games for a variety of reasons) even though it had nothing to do with the discussion.
You might like the /v/ board on 8chan - people there hate the average "gamer" (hell, even mentioning this term will inevitably result in someone telling you to kill yourself), the board has it's quirks (for example it's nearly impossible to discuss any moba games), but I would still pick it over any other community for one reason - anonymity. Anonymity erases a lot of cancer that comes with the standard forums and forces other posters to judge you not by who you are, but what you write. The "chan culture" takes a while to get used to (I'd recommend to simply browse the board for a while until you'll be sure how everything works), but once you'll get accustomed you won't ever want to go back.
Also learn to ignore idiots over the internet, they aren't worth your time unless you enjoy trolling them.
[–] frankenmine 1 point 0 points 1 point (+1|-1) ago (edited ago)
You obviously don't want /v/pcmasterrace.
reddit has /r/lowendgaming and /r/patientgamers, in addition to a whole retrogaming network for old-school consoles, including /r/ps2. Something like that would work for you. But their Voat counterparts have not been set up yet.
[–] PillaroAutismo 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Is the PCMR subverse run by different people than on Reddit? PCMR on Reddit is pretty laptop/low-spec friendly, in my experience.
[–] frankenmine 1 point 0 points 1 point (+1|-1) ago
All it takes to sour this guy is a little friendly ribbing. He can't take PCMR culture.
[–] Helllooooooooooooooo 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Playing games, and admitting you enjoy playing games, is becoming more socially acceptable for better or worse. Combine that with lots of interconnectivity via MMOs and social media, it's easier than ever to find people that make you think "WTF are you smoking?", especially when you delve into zero barrier-to-play games like WarFrame. I'm in my late 30s and friend, this stuff isn't new, but its just becoming more obvious and easier to see. It's only going to get worse, so brace yourself.
As for assholes thinking they know better, these SJWs aren't the first, and they won't be the last. From the 1950s with McCarthyism and Elvis-being-too-sexy-to-show-below-the-waist-on-tv, to the 60s with the Comic Code Authority, 70s where Dungeons and Dragons turning children into devil worshipping acolytes, the 80s with the "Moral Majority" and the crusade against "inappropriate" music (fuck you Tipper Gore), assholes have been trying to tell others how to have fun for decades, and that's just recently in the US. Now a new generation of narcissistic, authoritative know-it-alls want to exert their control, and tell people how to enjoy themselves and what and how to think. It's just important to remain firm, stay confident in your beliefs, and don't let the fuckers get you down.
P.S. Just wait another 10-20 years when these assholes are running for office. That'll be fun times. I hope you're registered to vote and remember to vote in local elections regardless of whatever your political affiliation is.
[–] GrimShins 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
One of the things that you have to realize is that among gamers, particularly PC gamers, and particularly online PC gamers, the incidence of autism is astoundingly higher than in the general population. Social graces are going to be difficult to come by.
I am only semi-shitposting.