Earlier this summer we sat down with CrunchBite, the third-generation developer and current project lead behind XLink Kai, the remarkable tunneling service that has been connecting console gamers across the internet for over two decades.

XLink Kai is what's known as a tunneling program - essentially a VPN that tricks game consoles across the globe into thinking they're on the same local network. This simple concept has enabled millions of players to experience LAN-enabled games with their online friends, from the original Xbox's Halo matches to modern Switch titles, all completely free of charge.

Our interview with CrunchBite reveals the story behind one of gaming's most enduring community-driven projects. What started as two friends in the UK wanting to play Halo before Xbox Live existed has evolved into a preservation effort supporting 15 different console generations and over 1,300 games.