If you play on Xbox or just play games in general, you’ve probably heard of Xbox FanFest. Xbox FanFest is a free, fan-focused community program by Microsoft that offers exclusive perks and early news, and it’s usually hosted in Los Angeles every June. It connects players globally, often hosting events alongside major gaming showcases.
Last year, Xbox opted out of hosting the event in person, instead choosing to host it digitally. However, this year, Xbox and Microsoft are back, doing an in-person event in Los Angeles on June 7. Here’s all you need to know about Xbox FanFest this year.
Xbox FanFest is Back
It was reported by new Xbox CEO Asha Shar on their official X account that Xbox will be hosting their annual Xbox FanFest this upcoming June 7. The event will be hosted in Los Angeles, though the venue has yet to be announced. Asha’s decision to bring back the in-person event is in response to many fans of the community expressing their love for FanFest and wanting to experience the event in person again.
Asha says she heard the community loud and clear and is bringing back the event to recognize the players who’ve supported Xbox over the years. This year will showcase a bunch of new titles coming out in 2026, such as Gears of War: E-Day, including in-depth looks at Fable and Halo: Campaign Evolved. Here’s the official statement made by Xbox, stating what we can expect at this year’s FanFest:
“Immediately following Showcase, we’ll go even deeper on one of the games coming later this year, directly from the team behind the Gears franchise, The Coalition Studio. Gears of War: E-Day Direct will take players into the start of Emergence Day, offering new details, gameplay and insights about the hugely anticipated origin story to the Gears of War saga.”
A Look Back and What’s Next?
One of the main points Asha wanted to highlight is that Xbox will be focusing on recognizing all the fans and the community that have supported Xbox over the past 25 years. During FanFest, fans can expect to celebrate the event by looking back at the last 25 years since the Xbox console and brand were created, and get a preview of what’s next for the gaming giant in the coming years. Asha has yet to reveal much about their plans for FanFest, but I imagine fans will be excited to get to experience the event once again.
Previous FanFest events were always a highlight for the Xbox community. Last year, though FanFest was a digital-only event, it later became an official event at Gamescom 2025. Last year, fans got to experience cool events like Ninja Gaiden 4 battles, competing for prizes, a 10-foot Grounded 2 plush ant photo op, and the Fallout 76 Fishing Zone.
Xbox FanFest 2024 was an extremely hype event with Xbox, Activision, Blizzard, and Bethesda fans celebrating the community in the most fun way possible. The event included FanFest Feud, a live graffiti artist, a custom swag station, airbrush tattoos, and nail art. I remember seeing the event online and wishing I could have been a part of it. Now, I’m excited to see what’s next for Xbox and what will be revealed at FanFest.
Xbox Games Showcase Premier Event
One of the biggest things we can definitely look forward to is the Xbox Games Showcase Premier Event. Every year, Xbox offers fans in the community a chance to attend FanFest through a ticket sweepstakes you can enter on the official Xbox website. Winners of the sweepstakes can walk the green carpet at the premiere and get to watch the Xbox Games Showcase in person.
You can also experience the exclusive Meet The Creators After-Show and participate in FanFest Feud, the trivia event inspired by Family Feud. All in all, it seems Xbox has much in store as they gear up to bring back a beloved community event made just for fans.
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