Platform Tribalism
PC Master Race (PCMR) originated as Yahtzee Croshaw satire (2008) mocking PC gaming elitism, became sincere movement celebrating PC gaming superiority while perpetuating console wars toxicity.
r/pcmasterrace (created 2011, mainstream 2013): 5M+ members celebrating PC gaming’s advantages
Arguments:
- Superior graphics/framerate
- Modding support
- Cheaper games (Steam sales)
- Backward compatibility
- Customization/upgrades
Toxicity: Mocking console players as “peasants”; gatekeeping; elitism
Irony collapse: Started as joke, became earnest superiority complex
Accessibility ignored: PCs expensive ($1K+ for good gaming rig); consoles accessible ($300-500)
Platform wars: PCMR vs. console fanboys endless flame wars
Positive: Community helps newcomers build PCs, troubleshoot, find deals
PCMR embodies gaming tribalism’s duality - passionate community support + toxic elitism.
Sources:
https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/
https://www.polygon.com/