In fact, many players from around the community have actually met each other in real life, even today they are doing so.
Indeed, 8 years later and I still talk to almost all Svenssons on a daily basis, enjoyed beers with Skalleper irl and I've ran one of the most popular nordic/european Rust-communitys together with Goobii. Just shows what a community and a game can do!
You're right. I actually didn't know most of the Sopranos before joining Argonath, and few weeks later got to meet them. Talking with them in daily bases, and hanging out from time to time, despite the age difference. This is what a community can do.