I think it always have been this way. The way we are passionate about games. The way we anticipate new releases, especially in the early days. The hype. E3 times... Gaming is blessed by God.
Gaming is pretty much the only place where everyone is treated equally. For better or worse. By default. Obviously you can give your gender or race away. But by default everyone is treated the same. Do people say the n word, yes but they'll say it even if you're white.