Latest news with #MattTurnbull
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Xbox exec suffers bout of terminal LinkedIn brain, suggests folks laid off by Microsoft use AI to 'reduce the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss'
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes—every so often, in times of deep economic equality, someone with a thick paycheck or accumulated wealth will waltz up and say something so mind-bogglingly disconnected from good sense and empathy that it becomes enshrined as an example of what not to say. The latest entrant to the "Let them eat cake" hall of fame comes courtesy of Matt Turnbull, Executive Producer at Xbox Games Studio Publishing who, in a since-deleted LinkedIn post (shared here by Necrosoft's Brandon Sheffield), suggested that anyone facing anxiety about their livelihoods crumbling under them use AI to help. He writes: "These are really challenging times, and if you're navigating a layoff or just preparing for one"—like the layoffs your company literally just pushed forward, Turnbull?—"You're not alone and you don't have to go it alone." In a textbook use of passive voice, he then goes on to suggest people "use LLM AI tools (like ChatGPT or Copilot) to help reduce the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss", talking about layoffs as though it's an inevitable medical condition. He follows this up with a series of 'helpful' prompts for folks struggling after being laid off in random, often capricious ways. These include everything from asking a LLM to rewrite your resume, to networking and outreach, to emotional support. Turnbull suggests anyone feeling down in the dumps prompt a language model with the following: "I'm struggling with impostor syndrome after being laid off. Can you help me reframe this experience in a way that reminds me what I'm good at?" Yikes. Here is where I'd usually point out that telling the recently-jobless they're "not alone", then encouraging them to use an unthinking, unfeeling machine to output general positive platitudes is incredibly ghoulish. Unfortunately, I've hit my monthly limit for nonsense four days into July, so I'm going to go scream into a pillow for a couple of minutes. Phew, all better. Alright, let's attempt a charitable read. It's entirely possible that Turnbull's had his head in the sand, does genuinely feel for those facing job insecurity, and simply got it wrong. He at least had enough self-awareness to delete his post. Points for basic self-improvement. On the other hand, given Microsoft's been pushing AI like it's the second coming of techno-Christ, and that the industry at-large has been struggling with haphazardly-applied AI tech booting people out of their positions and work to make the line go up (ever up, the line must never stop going), Turnbull might've self-reflected a little harder before he posted this rot. Anyway, given how quickly the pipeline goes from proselytizing about AI to finding out AI can't actually do the thing that's promised (around 4 months, for Netflix's former VP for GenAI games), I can't wait for this new, dark dimension of LinkedIn culture to peter out. If Turnbull's sudden 180 is any indication, we won't be waiting long. Probably. Hopefully. Please? 2025 games: This year's upcoming releasesBest PC games: Our all-time favoritesFree PC games: Freebie festBest FPS games: Finest gunplayBest RPGs: Grand adventuresBest co-op games: Better together Solve the daily Crossword
India Today
5 days ago
- Business
- India Today
As Microsoft lays off 15,000 employees, company's AI head has a message for remaining workers
In the past few months, Microsoft has already laid off over 15,000 employees. And for the remaining workers, the company has a message: it wants its workers to embrace artificial intelligence – not just as a tool, but as a core part of their job performance. Julia Liuson, president of Microsoft's Developer Division, recently told employees that AI usage will now be treated as essential. 'AI is now a fundamental part of how we work,' she wrote. 'Just like collaboration, data-driven thinking, and effective communication, using AI is no longer optional – it's core to every role and every level.'advertisementThe company is reportedly pushing managers to include AI usage as a factor in employee evaluations. In some teams, this may even involve formal metrics tied to how frequently and effectively an employee uses Microsoft's internal AI tools, such as move appears to be part of a larger strategy to boost adoption of Microsoft's own AI offerings, particularly Copilot. Despite widespread promotion, internal usage of the tool has fallen short of expectations. This is especially concerning given the increasing popularity of rival AI assistants like Cursor. Microsoft now wants employees – especially those building AI products – to not only use its tools but to become more comfortable and skilled with them. The company is said to allow limited use of some external AI tools like Replit, but is primarily focused on getting its own systems into regular workflows. While Microsoft is urging its current employees to adapt, advice given to those it recently laid off has raised eyebrows. Matt Turnbull, an executive producer at Xbox Game Studios, suggested in a now-deleted LinkedIn post that laid-off workers could turn to AI chatbots like ChatGPT or Copilot for emotional support and job search assistance.'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 do it alone,' Turnbull wrote. He recommended using large language models (LLMs) to ease the mental load that comes with job hunting — from writing resumes and LinkedIn bios to reframing negative self-talk. While he acknowledged that many people have mixed feelings about AI — especially when it's seen as contributing to job losses — he said it could still be a helpful resource. 'No AI tool is a replacement for your voice or your lived experience,' he post sparked criticism and was eventually taken down. Many questioned the timing and tone of encouraging workers to use the very tools believed to be accelerating job for its part, has defended the layoffs as part of broader restructuring efforts. In a company memo, executives said the changes were necessary to adapt to a rapidly changing market. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer explained that the cuts were aimed at streamlining teams and focusing on long-term strategic goals.- Ends
NDTV
08-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
'Tone-Deaf' Xbox Producer Tells Fired Workers To Use AI For Support, Faces Backlash
In the aftermath of Microsoft confirmed latest round of mass layoffs, an Xbox executive has gone viral for his tone-deaf comments. Matt Turnbull, executive producer at Xbox Game Studios Publishing, advised those laid off to seek help from artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots to manage their emotions. Mr Turnbull took to LinkedIn to post a message where he provided the unsolicited and insensitive advice, instantly attracting backlash from the users. While Mr Turnbull deleted the post, screenshots of his write-up showed Mr Turnbull suggesting tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to "help reduce the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss". "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," Mr Turnbull wrote. He wrote that he was aware AI tools can cause "strong feelings in people" but wanted to try and offer the "best advice" under the circumstances. "No AI tool is a replacement for your voice or your lived experience. But at a time when mental energy is scarce, these tools can help get you unstuck faster, calmer, and with more clarity." The new Severance season is insanely good Matt Turnbull, Executive Producer at Xbox Game Studios Publishing - after the Microsoft layoffs — Ysqander (@Ysqander) July 4, 2025 Social media reacts As Mr Turnbull's post went viral, social media users slammed him for the suggestion and called out Microsoft for the brutal sackings. "I've been following games for a long time, and I can confidently say these writings from Phil Spencer and Matt Turnbull are two of the most tone-deaf and cruelest things I've ever read," said one user while another added: "Jerk. Let's see when time comes that we get an AI CEO replacing these un-human executives." A third commented: "It is always astonishing that these people in high management positions, with literally no consequences of their doings and multi-million dollar bonuses, riding on such a high horse, towards the people that give the games their body and soul." I've been following games for a long time, and I can confidently say these writings from Phil Spencer and Matt Turnbull are two of the most tone-deaf and cruelest things I've ever read. I hope this finally shatters the illusion for some people that Xbox is not your good buddy. — RBMango (@RazorBladeMango) July 4, 2025 Earlier this month, Microsoft confirmed it was laying off as many as four per cent or roughly 9,100, of its employees in the largest round of job cuts since 2023. The job cuts will affect employees across key Xbox divisions as the company sets out plans to invest heavily in AI by spending $80 billion in huge data centres to train AI models.
Hans India
08-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Xbox Exec Urges Laid-Off Microsoft Staff to Seek Help from AI Tools Like ChatGPT
In the aftermath of Microsoft's latest round of massive job cuts, which saw around 9,000 employees let go last week, an executive from Xbox Game Studios has sparked both conversation and controversy with his advice to affected colleagues. Matt Turnbull, an executive producer at Xbox, took to LinkedIn with a post—now deleted—suggesting that employees coping with the emotional and professional impact of layoffs could benefit from turning to AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft's own Copilot. His message, intended to be supportive, came just days after what's been labeled Microsoft's most significant workforce reduction of the year. '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 do it alone,' Turnbull wrote. He shared that he's personally explored ways to use large language model (LLM) AI tools to ease the burden that job loss often brings. Acknowledging the skepticism surrounding AI—especially given its growing role in automating work—Turnbull emphasized that these tools are meant to assist, not replace, human experience. 'No AI tool is a replacement for your voice or your lived experience,' he stated. 'But at a time when mental energy is scarce, these tools can help get you unstuck.' Turnbull also offered examples of how AI can serve laid-off professionals—from drafting resume bullet points and rewriting LinkedIn bios to crafting outreach messages and overcoming self-doubt. He even recommended prompting chatbots to act like career coaches. While many appreciated his well-intended advice, others were critical. The juxtaposition of recommending AI—often blamed for job displacement—as a coping mechanism for the very layoffs it's accused of causing, didn't sit well with everyone. The backlash likely contributed to Turnbull removing the post, though it was first documented by tech news outlet Aftermath. Meanwhile, Microsoft has continued to defend its restructuring decisions. In a company-wide email, leadership stated that the layoffs are part of broader efforts to adapt to market demands and streamline operations. Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, also addressed the issue in a memo, noting the intent to sharpen the company's focus and improve agility. 'To position Gaming for enduring success... we will end or decrease work in certain areas of the business and follow Microsoft's lead in removing layers of management to increase agility and effectiveness,' Spencer explained. This wave of layoffs follows previous cuts earlier in 2025, with over 6,000 jobs slashed in May and additional reductions in June. In 2023 alone, Microsoft had already cut around 10,000 roles. Microsoft is not alone in this trend. Other major tech companies, including Meta, Google's parent Alphabet, and Amazon, are also reshaping their workforces amid a broader shift toward AI-driven operations. Meta, for instance, eliminated roughly 5% of its staff during performance reviews, while Alphabet and Amazon have each cut hundreds to thousands of roles across departments. As the tech industry grapples with rapid transformation, the dual role of AI—as both a disruptor and a support tool—continues to spark debate.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Xbox高管建議被裁員工「用AI緩解負面情緒」，遭網友痛批缺乏同理心
微軟日前大裁員超過 9,000 人，就連旗下遊戲部門 Xbox 等都受到嚴重衝擊，更有不少開發中的項目取消，在玩家社群投下震撼彈。然而近日，Xbox Game Studios Publishing 執行製作人，居然建議被裁員的員工用 AI 進行職涯規劃和紓解裁員所帶來的負面情緒。 相關新聞：Xbox大裁員引玩家恐慌「要倒了？」，官方急澄清：超過40款新作還在做 相關新聞：微軟Xbox大裁員超過9000人！《完美黑暗》重啟沒了、《上古捲軸Online》團隊新作遭腰斬 Xbox Game Studios Publishing 執行製作人 Matt Turnbull 在個人 LinkedIn 上，寫下一篇文章（目前已經被刪除，剩下網友備份），告訴那些被裁員或是即將被裁員的人，他不需要獨自面對也不孤單。他以自己舉例，讓大家可以使用像是 ChatGPT 或 Copilot 這樣的 AI 大型語言模型，去紓解裁員所帶來的負面情緒。 並且分享了使用這些 AI 工具的建議提示詞，讓 AI 來幫助自己進行接下來的職涯規劃、告訴周圍的人自己正在尋找新工作、如何撰寫新的履歷等。Matt 認為 AI 可以幫助大家更快、更簡單的擺脫目前的困境，從中獲得簡單易懂的見解。 然而 Matt 的行為即便沒有惡意或嘲諷，但這樣的回答卻被網友認為缺乏同理心，尤其是網傳微軟大裁員就是為了投資更多 AI 計劃，已經讓不少人相當憤怒：「這些高層繼續領個百萬美元，反正公司決策後果都是員工承擔」、「果然這就是高層，用高處的視角看低處的事情」、「什麼話都別說，還比給出這無用的答案好」、「看來微軟很努力在推廣他們的 AI 工具」、「我叫 ChatGPT 給我錢，但沒有用」、「結果 AI 給出的規劃，全部都能被其他 AI 取代」、「我第一次看到這麼缺乏同理心的回答，要人去找冷冰冰的機械尋求幫助」 In a now deleted LinkedIn post, Matt Turnbull, Executive Producer at Xbox Game Studios Publishing, suggested that people who have been laid off by Microsoft should use AI like ChatGPT to help reduce the emotions that come with job loss: 'I know these types of tools engender… — Rebs Gaming (@Mr_Rebs_) July 4, 2025 緊貼最新科技資訊、網購優惠，追隨 Yahoo Tech 各大社交平台！ 🎉📱 Tech Facebook： 🎉📱 Tech Instagram： 🎉📱 Tech WhatsApp 社群： 🎉📱 Tech WhatsApp 頻道： 🎉📱 Tech Telegram 頻道：
