Xbox Continues Fanfest Tour Despite Leadership Changes

WHO:

Eurogamer.net - Chris Munson, the creator of the Xbox FanFest, was let go during recent layoffs at Microsoft.

Eurogamer.net - Xbox leaders Asha Sharma and Matt Booty were present at the LA Xbox FanFest event.

WHAT:

Eurogamer.net - Microsoft announced the continuation of the Xbox FanFest global tour despite recent layoffs.

Eurogamer.net - The Xbox FanFest event is described as a "global, multi-city run of fan-first events built around connection, local community, and the games we love."

Eurogamer.net - Attendees at the LA Xbox FanFest received an Xbox Series X console in original Xbox green.

Pure Xbox - Six Xbox FanFest events have been scheduled for 2026.

WHERE:

Eurogamer.net - The Xbox FanFest events will take place in Cologne, Germany; Tokyo, Japan; London, U.K.; Mexico City, Mexico; Sydney, Australia; and Toronto, Canada.

Eurogamer.net - The event in Cologne will occur at Gamescom.

WHEN:

Eurogamer.net - The Xbox FanFest events are scheduled for the following dates:

Cologne, Germany — August 26

Tokyo, Japan — September 17

London, U.K. — September 26

Mexico City, Mexico — October 17

Sydney, Australia — October 17

Toronto, Canada — November 6

Pure Xbox - The Xbox FanFest event in Cologne is set for August 26, during Gamescom.

WHY:

Eurogamer.net - The Xbox FanFest events are part of the celebration for the 25th anniversary of the Xbox brand.

HOW:

Eurogamer.net - Tickets for the Xbox FanFest events will be distributed through "city-specific" sweepstakes.

Pure Xbox - The Xbox FanFest events are described as featuring "live events and community experiences."

(UPDATED August 4, 2026 12:45 UTC)

In a significant development, Chris Munson, the creator of the Xbox FanFest, was let go during recent layoffs at Microsoft, although the company has announced that the global tour for Xbox FanFest will continue. The events, which celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Xbox brand, will take place in cities like Cologne, Tokyo, London, Mexico City, Sydney, and Toronto, with the first event scheduled for August 26 during Gamescom. Attendees at the LA Xbox FanFest received an Xbox Series X console in the original Xbox green, and tickets for future events will be distributed through city-specific sweepstakes.