Xbox FanFest registration forced to start over because of site error

By Dan Thorp-Lancaster
published

If you were hoping to get your hands on a ticket to attend the upcoming E3 2017 Xbox FanFest during the giveaway this morning, it looks like you'll have to test your luck again. Because of an error that caused the registration system to accept more entries than it should have, Microsoft says it will have to start over with another registration period.

See more

Unfortunately, that means anyone who managed to register for one of the 400 spots up for grabs this morning will have their entries voided. From Microsoft:

Fan enthusiasm overwhelmed our Xbox FanFest: E3 2017 registration website today, and unfortunately resulted in an error – causing the system to accept more registrants than we had tickets for the event in total. We determined voiding this morning's registrations and starting over would help make things as fair as possible for all fans. So, if you were one of the fans who successfully registered this morning, you'll need to re-register, and Xbox is emailing something special to you for the inconvenience. Stay tuned for more. Keep an eye on my twitter account and Chris@XboxFanFest (@moneyrumble), and we'll tweet info on when we'll restart ticketing.

It's an unfortunate set of circumstances, and a number of fans who took part in the initial drop this morning have voiced their anger on Twitter. There's no indication when registration will open back up, but hopefully, any issues are cleared up for the second go-around.

To recap, Xbox FanFest will run during E3 from June 11 through June 13. Ticket holders are invited to attend the Xbox E3 briefing on June 11 and will receive some gaming swag in a "custom-built" backpack. Microsoft also promises that FanFest ticket holders will get an early look at Xbox exclusives, Project Scorpio, and more at a private event on June 12.

Thanks to Onysi and Ronny B. for the tips!

Dan Thorp-Lancaster
Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl. 

10 Comments
  • You guys are on top of everything.  that was quick reporting.  I missed the 6AM registration today because i slept late.  Woke up at the right time they voided every registration.  People are pissed because they dont know if theyll win again and their flights are non-refundable. Lol
  • I'm in the same spot as you, except I was in the shower by the time I realized I missed it. My one quandry with those calling about non-refundable tickets, is that I thought ALL US based flights have 24-hours to cancel their purchase on a non-refunadable ticket? Surprised to learn this is not the case.
  • I dont understand why they gotta do this.  Theirs enough Xbox Fans in Los Angeles to fill the 500 seats. 
  • It's probably to give those coming in from say Germany, France or, you know, other states in even the US, the chance to attend. It's like saying PAX-WEST/EAST/SOUTH need only service tickets to the cities/states they're being held in.
  • Actually anyone from out of state can come and get the ticket at the store here in LA.  They give them out the day before e3.  Last year they gave them out around June 12, and June 13 was e3.  That's still the same for those passionate xbox fans who are willing to get a plane ticket right now anyway.   E3 was never really for fans, but gatherings of the industry in one area to show off their latest to the media.
  • buying a plane ticket for the chance to get a ticket is a bit extreme...
  • Smells like the person behind United's booking site found new employment.
  • Hopefully not their security people.
  • It seems to me that the fairest option would have been to accept the first 400 registrations received and void the rest, assuming that they had a valid time stamp on each one. Those are the 400 that would have been received if the system had worked properly so that seems the obvious solution.
  • if that wasn't possible, the re-registration should only be open to those who got accepted into the registration in the first place. folks who missed out the first time shouldn't be allowed the second time. i'm wondering if there were just so many too quickly that the timestamps don't really make much of a difference maybe?