Microsoft is moving forward with its global Xbox FanFest world tour, despite having laid off the employee who originally pitched and created the event. The confirmation follows recent company-wide restructuring and workforce reductions.
Quick Facts
- Creator Affected: Chris Munson, who created Xbox FanFest 15.5 years ago, was let go during recent Microsoft layoffs.
- Tour Status: Confirmed to proceed globally, following an initial event in Los Angeles alongside the Xbox Games Showcase.
- Upcoming Dates: Stops include 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); and Seattle, U.S. (dates forthcoming).
Tour Logistics and Uncertainty
Microsoft outlined the global tour dates in an Xbox Wire post, describing the events as a multi-city run focused on local community connection. However, concrete details regarding what will take place at each stop remain scarce. Attendance relies on city-specific sweepstakes ticket distributions via the official Xbox FanFest website, where specific event programming has not been detailed.
Reports from the Los Angeles FanFest event indicate that attendees received a custom Xbox Series X console styled in original Xbox green, mirroring the 25th-anniversary hardware announcement. Xbox leaders Asha Sharma and Matt Booty were present at the Los Angeles gathering.
Broader Workforce Impact
The continuation of the tour arrives during a turbulent period for the Xbox division. Microsoft recently laid off 1,600 employees—including Munson—with an additional 1,600 layoffs earmarked over the upcoming year. Alongside the fan tour rollout, Microsoft also recently adjusted console pricing in Europe, raising the cost of the Xbox Series S to £430 and the Xbox Series X to £670.