After Microsoft laid off 9000 employees, Xbox producer Matt Turnbull suggested affected workers use AI to “reduce the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss”

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Matt Turnbull, an executive producer at Xbox, recently posted on LinkedIn about the significant job cuts across Microsoft and Xbox. In a since-deleted post, he advised those affected by the layoffs to consider using AI tools like ChatGPT for “emotional understanding” or “clarity,” as over 9,000 employees were let go.

Xbox producer tells laid off employees to use AI

The continued rounds of job cuts have led to the shutdown of entire studios, such as The Initiative, known for developing Perfect Dark, along with the cancellation of various projects like Everwild, an anticipated MMORPG from the team behind Elder Scrolls Online, and other unnamed projects.

In a post that has since been removed, Turnbull (who remains employed at Xbox) shared what he considered the most valuable guidance for the countless employees who were recently terminated. This advice centered around utilizing AI tools like Microsoft’s Copilot to lessen the emotional and mental burden associated with job loss by helping manage some of its challenges.

Moreover, Turnbull proposed that the displaced employees could leverage AI for career advancement. This assistance would encompass helping workers with professional connections and outreach, as well as providing emotional understanding and boosting self-assurance.

I feel overwhelmed by impostor syndrome after being let go. Could you help me rephrase this situation to remind myself of my strengths?

After facing heavy criticism from users, Turnbull’s LinkedIn post was removed later on. In response to his termination and canceled long-term project, Eric Smith, a former Zenimax Online producer, expressed his dismay by saying, “Goodness gracious, understand the situation, man.

Microsoft’s recent cost-cutting measures have not only impacted their in-house studios but also extended to third-party partners like DOOM creator John Romero’s independent studio, Romero Games. As a result, this studio has unfortunately had to let go of all its employees due to funding being withdrawn.

The sudden job cuts coincide with a memo shared with developers, asserting that the Xbox’s “development platform, hardware, and game plan have never been more robust.” Spencer informed let-go employees that the current success is a result of difficult choices made in the past.

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2025-07-04 15:10