AI For Job Loss An Xbox Execs Deleted Advice

Amidst a massive wave of layoffs at Microsoft, one Xbox executive offered a seemingly modern solution for affected employees: using AI chatbots for emotional and career support. The advice, however, was quickly deleted after apparent backlash from a community already on edge about AI's role in their industry.

An Executive's Controversial AI Advice

The suggestion came from Matt Turnbull of Xbox Game Studios in a LinkedIn post that has since been deleted but was captured by the publication Aftermath. Turnbull said he felt it was his responsibility "to offer the best advice I can under the circumstances," proposing that AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot could "help reduce the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss."

He acknowledged that people have "strong feelings" about AI but suggested that anyone feeling "overwhelmed" could use these tools for practical steps like creating resumes, planning their career moves, and drafting applications. "No AI tool is a replacement for your voice or your lived experience," Turnbull clarified in the post. "But at a time when mental energy is scarce, these tools can help get you unstuck faster, calmer, and with more clarity.”

The Context of Industry-Wide Layoffs

Turnbull's advice was not offered in a vacuum. It came as Microsoft began laying off as many as 9,100 employees across the company. The cuts have been especially brutal for its gaming studios, leading to studio closures, canceled games, and the shutdown of various services and key divisions.

This difficult environment is compounded by the fact that Microsoft is simultaneously championing a massive push into artificial intelligence, with plans to invest an incredible $80 billion into AI infrastructure. For many creatives, generative AI is seen as a direct threat to their jobs, making the suggestion to use it for layoff support seem particularly tone-deaf. The gaming industry at large has already been suffering from years of growing layoffs and instability.

Backlash and a Deleted Post

While the exact reason for the post's deletion is unknown, the negative reaction from the creative community is a likely culprit. Comments on a repost of the message on Bluesky suggest that Turnbull's advice was not well-received, with many finding it insensitive given the circumstances. The incident underscores a growing tension between corporate AI adoption and the workforce's anxieties about job security.

The Full Text of the Deleted LinkedIn Post

For full context, here is the text of the deleted post that sparked the conversation:

"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.

I know these types of tools engender strong feelings in people, but I’d be remiss in not trying to offer the best advice I can under the circumstances. I’ve been experimenting with ways to use LLM AI tools (like ChatGPT or Copilot) to help reduce the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss.

Here are some prompt ideas and use cases that might help if you’re feeling overwhelmed:

Career Planning Prompts:

“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.”

“What kinds of game industry jobs could I pivot to with experience in [Production/Narrative/LiveOps/etc.]?”

Resume & Linkedin Help

“Here’s my current resume. Give me three tailored versions: one for AAA, one for platform/publishing roles, and one for startup/small studio leadership.”

“Rewrite this resume bullet to highlight impact and metrics.”

“Draft a new LinkedIn ‘About Me’ section that focuses on my leadership style, shipped titles, and vision for game development.”

Networking & Outreach

“Draft a friendly message I can send to old coworkers letting them know I’m exploring new opportunities.”

“Write a warm intro message for reaching out to someone at [studio name] about a job posting.”

Emotional Clarity & Confidence

“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?”

No Al 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.

If this helps, feel free to share with others in your network.

Stay kind, stay smart, stay connected.”