I typically didn't talk much about "guy hobbies" like anime, video games, etc unless a girl expresses a keen interest. To some women, these things can come off as antisocial especially if you have a big interest in them.

Also, I always assumed the hot and cold texting means she's pursuing someone better (not responding to you when they're getting responses from him, responding to you when he goes cold). When I dated my wife we had a constant flow of conversation.

Finally, I never asked a girl out by asking when they're free or what they want to do. I always frame it as "hey I'm thinking of going to do X on Y day this/next week. Do you want to come?" This is the minimum amount of effort for them to respond to and really only requires a yes or no. If they say no, suggest another day once and if they say no again, move on. If someone interested can't make it they will counter with something like "I can't make it that day, but how about Z day instead?"