Chris Munson, a 15-year veteran at Microsoft known for creating the Xbox FanFest initiative, was let go from the company as part of recent mass layoffs. Munson joined Microsoft in 2010 and was involved in various projects including Halo marketing, State of Decay, and sports partnerships before conceptualizing FanFest.
Xbox FanFest originally launched in 2015 as a direct-to-consumer engagement strategy, offering fans access to Xbox events, exclusive content, and opportunities to meet industry figures like Major Nelson and Phil Spencer. The event was revived earlier this year for Xbox's 25th anniversary, with a showcase in Los Angeles that included a special translucent green Xbox Series X giveaway for attendees. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma had stated in March that the community's value for FanFest was clear, prompting its return.
Munson expressed his departure on LinkedIn, noting that while it was "the end of an era" after 15 and a half years, he remains committed to contributing to the gaming and culture sectors. He indicated a desire to take time to reflect and recharge before pursuing future opportunities. The current Xbox FanFest 2026 events are proceeding as planned, with scheduled activities continuing globally through the summer and fall.