Xbox Game Studios exec gives ‘AI prompts' to laid-off Microsoft employees to handle emotional stress caused by job loss; deletes post after backlash
Producer Matt Turnbull has recommended that recently laid-off Microsoft employees use AI chatbots to cope with job loss, offering specific prompts to help workers navigate unemployment.
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Turnbull's since-deleted LinkedIn post suggested using tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to "help reduce the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss."
Turnbull's recommendation comes as Microsoft cuts 9,100 employees across the company, with Xbox divisions particularly affected by studio closures and game cancellations. "These are really challenging times, and if you're navigating a layoff or even quietly preparing for one, you're not alone and you don't have to go it alone," Turnbull wrote in his original post.
The exec provided detailed AI prompt suggestions for affected workers, including career planning assistance: "Act as a career coach. I've been laid off from a [role] in the game industry. Help me build a 30-day plan to regroup, research new roles, and start applying without burning out."
Executive's tone-deaf timing draws backlash
His recommendations extended to emotional support, suggesting workers ask AI: "I'm struggling with imposter syndrome after being laid off.
Can you help me reframe this experience in a way that reminds me what I'm good at?"
His recommendations extended to emotional support, suggesting workers ask AI: "I'm struggling with imposter syndrome after being laid off. Can you help me reframe this experience in a way that reminds me what I'm good at?"
The executive emphasized that "no AI tool is a replacement for your voice or your lived experience," but argued these tools could help workers "get unstuck faster, calmer, and with more clarity."
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The suggestion drew criticism from gaming industry professionals, prompting Turnbull to delete his post. The timing proved particularly sensitive as Microsoft invests $80 billion in AI infrastructure while simultaneously reducing its workforce.
Xbox head Phil Spencer acknowledged the difficult moment in his memo to employees: "Simply put, we would not be where we are today without the time, energy, and creativity of those whose roles are impacted."
Spencer explained the cuts were necessary to "position Gaming for enduring success" and focus on "strategic growth areas."
The layoffs represent Microsoft's fourth round of job cuts in 18 months, following previous reductions affecting Activision Blizzard, Xbox studios, and other gaming divisions.
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