Latest news with #XboxGameStudios
India Today
14-07-2025
- 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
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Microsoft shares $500M in AI savings internally days after cutting 9,000 jobs
Microsoft's chief commercial officer Judson Althoff said during a presentation this week that AI tools are boosting productivity across sales, customer service, and software engineering, Bloomberg reports. Althoff noted AI has been so useful that Microsoft was able to save more than $500 million last year in its call center alone. The internal remarks come a week after Microsoft laid off more than 9,000 workers, the company's third round of layoffs this year that put the total number of affected employees somewhere around 15,000. For employees who lost their jobs while working at a company that is reporting impressive cost-savings and recording one of its most profitable quarters yet, Althoff's remarks might come off as tone deaf. The situation had already been complicated by a now-deleted LinkedIn post from Xbox Game Studios' producer Matt Turnbull, who last week suggested that workers feeling 'overwhelmed' by Microsoft's layoffs — which included job cuts across Xbox — might find support through AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to help manage the cognitive load that comes with job loss. It's not clear whether the thousands of workers who lost their jobs this year were replaced by AI or whether the layoffs represent post-pandemic right-sizing. What is clear is that workforce adjustments during a period of record profitability creates a challenging dynamic that, for some, has to sting. Microsoft closed out the first quarter with $26 billion in profit and $70 billion in revenue. The company's market capitalization has also surged in recent months to around $3.74 trillion, displacing Apple and trailing only Nvidia. Microsoft has signaled that much of that profit will flow directly into AI. The company said in January it would invest $80 billion into AI infrastructure across 2025. While Microsoft continues to hire talent, too, the company appears positioned to more actively participate in the industrywide competition of 'Who Can Pay Top AI Researchers The Most?' In short, it's more likely we'll see Microsoft spend millions of dollars on top AI researchers rather than middle managers and other employees. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
TechCrunch
09-07-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
Microsoft shares $500M in AI savings internally days after cutting 9,000 jobs
Microsoft's chief commercial officer Judson Althoff said during a presentation this week that AI tools are boosting productivity across sales, customer service, and software engineering, Bloomberg reports. Althoff noted AI has been so useful that Microsoft was able to save more than $500 million last year in its call center alone. The internal remarks come a week after Microsoft laid off more than 9,000 workers, the company's third round of layoffs this year that put the total number of affected employees somewhere around 15,000. For employees who lost their jobs while working at a company that is reporting impressive cost-savings and recording one of its most profitable quarters yet, Althoff's remarks might come off as tone deaf. The situation had already been complicated by a now-deleted LinkedIn post from Xbox Game Studios' producer Matt Turnbull, who last week suggested that workers feeling 'overwhelmed' by Microsoft's layoffs – which included job cuts across Xbox – might find support through AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to help manage the cognitive load that comes with job loss. It's not clear whether the thousands of workers who lost their jobs this year were replaced by AI or whether the layoffs represent post-pandemic right-sizing. What is clear is that workforce adjustments during a period of record profitability creates a challenging dynamic that, for some, has to sting. Microsoft closed out the first quarter with $26 billion in profit and $70 billion in revenue. The company's market capitalization has also surged in recent months to around $3.74 trillion, displacing Apple and trailing only Nvidia. Microsoft has signaled that much of that profit will flow directly into AI. The company said in January it would invest $80 billion into AI infrastructure across 2025. While Microsoft continues to hire talent, too, the company appears positioned to more actively participate in the industry-wide competition of 'Who Can Pay Top AI Researchers The Most?' In short, it's more likely we'll see Microsoft spend millions of dollars on top AI researchers rather than middle managers and other employees. Techcrunch event Save up to $475 on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Save $450 on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Boston, MA | REGISTER NOW
CNET
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Stock Up on Discounted Game Pass Ultimate Codes This Prime Day
As July's Prime Day sales event kicks off, you're probably rushing to get the best deals on tech, appliances and more. From Tuesday to Friday, CNET's experts are collecting the best deals available in one hub so you can quickly find what you're looking for. But if you're looking to try out a whole swath of games, you'll be excited to hear that one of the best gaming subscription services is discounted this Prime Day. Game Pass Ultimate normally costs you $20 a month, but you can nab them with a modest 5% discount on Amazon right now. A one dollar deal might not seem like much, but you can stock up on these code cards for multiple months of your Game Pass subscription. A Game Pass Ultimate subscription lets you access hundreds of games on your Xbox Series X/S and your gaming PC, which means the most dedicated gamers will be able to play fan-favorites on multiple gaming devices. First party Xbox titles from renowned developers such as Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda Softworks and Activision Blizzard land on the platform on release day, letting you try out some of the biggest AAA games without committing to a $70 purchase. In addition to Xbox exclusives, a Game Pass Ultimate subscription nets you access to some of the most renowned indie games ever released, including Stardew Valley, Hades, Hollow Knight and more. You even get access to a bevy of big name franchises such as Battlefield and Star Wars Battlefront though the EA Play launcher. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. This subscription is perfect for casual audiences who don't want to commit to multiple AAA purchases as well as avid gamers who want to dive into dozens of games at a time. Game Pass Ultimate has one of the widest subscription libraries out there, so there's something for everyone here. Don't have an Xbox or a gaming PC? There are alternative subscription services that could provide you with just as much value. CNET's gaming experts break down the best gaming subscription services here. Why this deal matters Whether you own an Xbox console or you're a PC gamer, Game Pass Ultimate is the gaming subscription service that gives you the most bang for your buck. For less than a third of the price of a AAA game each month, you gain access to hundreds of titles -- including Xbox's first party offerings -- and the ability to play with friends, earn achievements and more.
India Today
08-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
After 9,000 layoffs at Microsoft, Xbox exec tells fired employees to go and talk to AI to reduce job loss pain
As Microsoft did yet another round of mass layoffs last week, firing around 9,000 of its employees, one executive producer from Xbox Game Studios at the company has offered an unusual piece of advice to those affected: turn to AI chatbots for support. Matt Turnbull, an executive producer at Xbox, suggested that employees grappling with job loss might find relief and guidance by using large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT or Microsoft's own Copilot. His comments, made in a now-deleted LinkedIn post, came just days after Microsoft cut 9,000 roles across the company – marking its biggest wave of layoffs in 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. 'I've been experimenting with ways to use LLM AI tools to help reduce the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss.'He acknowledged that people have mixed feelings about AI tools, especially amid concerns that automation is a major factor behind recent job cuts. Still, he maintained that tools like ChatGPT can help job seekers move forward faster and with more clarity. 'No AI tool is a replacement for your voice or your lived experience,' Turnbull said. 'But at a time when mental energy is scarce, these tools can help get you unstuck.' In the same post, Turnbull listed a variety of AI prompts he found helpful – from generating resume bullet points to writing outreach messages and even reframing self-doubt after a layoff. For example, he suggested asking a chatbot to act as a career coach or help rework LinkedIn bios to highlight leadership and project advice was shared with sincerity, but not everyone was impressed. The idea of using AI for emotional clarity, especially as AI itself is seen as contributing to job losses, struck a nerve with some. The post was eventually deleted, though it was first captured by meanwhile, continues to defend the layoffs as part of broader organisational restructuring. In a company email, executives said the changes are necessary to 'position the company and its teams for success in a dynamic marketplace.' While they confirmed that the gaming division was affected, the company claimed most of that unit remained Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, addressed the issue in a memo to staff, saying the goal was to streamline teams and refocus on strategic areas. '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 recent 9,000 job cuts are part of a larger trend. Microsoft had already eliminated more than 6,000 roles in May, followed by smaller cuts in June. In 2023, the company laid off around 10,000 staff. And this is not unique to Microsoft – other tech giants are undergoing similar transformations. Meta cut around 5 per cent of its workforce as part of performance reviews earlier this year, while Google's parent company Alphabet has laid off hundreds in its transition to more AI-focused work. Amazon, too, has slashed thousands of roles across various departments, including its books and devices divisions.- Ends
