XBOX celebrates 25 years of play and returns to gamescom
Microsoft’s Xbox marks its 25th anniversary by returning to gamescom 2026 in Cologne with hands-on previews of 25 upcoming titles, live broadcasts, and inclusive accessibility features.
The useful question is what changes for users, developers or buyers, and whether the announcement stays industry context or becomes something people can actually use.
Microsoft’s Xbox is celebrating its 25th anniversary by returning to gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany, from August 26 to 27. The event will feature hands-on demos of 25 upcoming games, including *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4*, *Fable*, and *Minecraft Dungeons II*, across 140 gaming stations. Attendees can explore interactive exhibits highlighting Xbox’s history, from iconic moments to innovations across generations. The booth will also host the Xbox FanFest, offering exclusive community experiences and live broadcasts starting at 4pm CEST each day.
The company will livestream developer interviews, gameplay reveals, and new trailers on YouTube and Twitch, with accessibility features such as American Sign Language (ASL) and English audio descriptions. Select content will be available in additional languages. The booth, located in Hall 7, A-0.61, will be wheelchair accessible, with adaptive controllers and adjustable-height stations available upon request. Quiet rooms and sensory items will be provided for players seeking reduced stimulation.
Xbox will offer live ASL, BSL, and DGS interpreters, as well as English- and German-language audio descriptions at the booth from Thursday to Sunday, 12–5pm. The FanFest event on August 26, running from 8pm to 11pm CEST, will include community activities and opportunities to win tickets via sweepstakes. Official social channels and the Xbox FanFest website will provide updates on entry details.
Xbox’s presence at gamescom 2026 underscores its commitment to accessibility and community engagement, with a focus on inclusive experiences for all attendees. The event highlights upcoming titles like *Alien: Isolation 2*, *Gears of War: E-Day*, and *Metro 2039*, offering early playable access and developer interactions. Fans unable to attend in person can participate virtually through live streams and on-demand content.