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Xbox’s FanFest world tour is still going ahead, for some reason, even after Microsoft fired the guy who created it
Microsoft is pressing ahead with its global Xbox FanFest tour despite having laid off the employee who created and pitched the event during recent job cuts. The move has drawn criticism as tone-deaf, coming shortly after Microsoft cut 1,600 jobs from its Xbox division, with another 1,600 planned over the next year, raising questions about the company's judgement and priorities during a period of significant restructuring.
The tour, described by Microsoft as a "global, multi-city run of fan-first events," already held a Los Angeles leg before the layoffs and will now continue to Cologne (26 August, Gamescom), Tokyo (17 September, Tokyo Game Show), London (26 September), Mexico City and Sydney (both 17 October), Toronto (6 November), and Seattle (date to be confirmed). Details remain vague, with tickets only available via unopened city-specific sweepstakes and no confirmed content beyond celebrating Xbox's 25th anniversary; the event's creator, Chris Munson, announced his departure on LinkedIn after 15.5 years at the company. Separately, Xbox console prices in Europe have risen, with the Series S now costing £430 and the Series X £670.
In short
- Xbox FanFest tour continues despite its creator being laid off
- Stops include Gamescom, Tokyo Game Show, London, Sydney and more
- Comes amid 1,600 Xbox job cuts, with 1,600 more planned
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Microsoft had already committed to the FanFest tour financially and reputationally, with the Los Angeles event already completed before the layoffs. Cancelling multiple international commitments would breach contracts with venues and partners, waste sunk costs, and signal market panic. Fan engagement and global event marketing serve distinct business functions from workforce restructuring. Proceeding demonstrates organisational stability and fulfils promises to the gaming community.
The case against
Launching an expensive global celebratory tour whilst announcing 3,200 job cuts appears to demonstrate fundamentally tone-deaf priorities and lack of leadership empathy. The creator's departure removes internal sponsorship, yet the company proceeds anyway—a costly symbol of detachment from genuine operational challenges. This spending signals to employees that their sacrifice isn't matched by visible leadership restraint, damaging morale and trust precisely when stability and confidence matter most.
Explained simply
Xbox is Microsoft’s gaming business, which makes the Xbox console and publishes games. FanFest is a series of events for Xbox players, and Chris Munson, who worked at Microsoft for 15 and a half years, created and pitched the idea.
Microsoft has been restructuring its Xbox division, with job cuts affecting thousands of roles. The events are part of plans to celebrate 25 years of Xbox and bring fans together in several cities. The story matters because it raises questions about how a company’s public events sit alongside job losses and other changes to its gaming business.