> And actually talk to those same people in IRC afterwards. Nowadays, there are so many players everywhere that it's very difficult to have a sense of connection to the people, as most times you might never see the same players again or connect with them in any way.

Its not just that theres so many players. The big issue there is lack of server lists and player-run dedicated servers. Matchmaking largely kills that 'close-knit' sense of community where you play with and against the same rotation of players and get to know them. The only way to accomplish something similar is to find a community on discord, make a party together, etc. Its far simpler for everyone already owning and in the game to just click "Bob's great Quake CTF server" and know they'll be with whoever is normally on that server.