Such reactions are definitely awful and deplorable, but I somehow can't shake the feeling that Jim Sterling is inciting hateful and spiteful comments at least to some degree. Just look at his many lawsuits and how he continuously seems to be seeking trouble by reviewing some of the shittiest games and calling out the developers. But it's not just that, he also uses really foul language constantly which encourages similar foul language on his channel.

Coming back to console wars back then and now it is not only an increase of vitriol from the fan(boy/girl)s, but also from the reviewers. Back then reviews were mostly done in printed magazines with strict editorial guidelines. Constant swearing, four-letter words or calls to pirate games (even if not meant seriously) etc. would never have made it into a magazine. It's my personal theory that such a change in the way of how professionals talk about games in public also affects how we as consumers and viewers react and talk about them.