In the heat of Microsoft’s recent wave of layoffs, Matt Turnbull, Executive Producer at Xbox Game Studios, sparked conversation by encouraging affected staff to turn to AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot for assistance in navigating job loss and emotional stress.
In a LinkedIn post, later taken down, Turnbull acknowledged the awkwardness of promoting AI after job cuts but noted that these tools could help with resumes, job searching, and emotional clarity during challenging transitions.
“They aren’t a replacement for your voice or experience. But they might help when mental energy is low,” he wrote.
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A Tense Backdrop
Turnbull’s comments come just days after Microsoft announced 9,000 layoffs, many of which affected Xbox teams. Meanwhile, the company is investing heavily in AI infrastructure, reportedly committing $80 billion to that end.
The contrast between job cuts and AI expansion has left some employees and observers feeling uneasy.
Netizens Reactions
Criticism followed quickly. On Reddit and social platforms, users described the post as “tone-deaf,” especially as it followed widespread restructuring. Many argued that genuine support, such as counseling or job placement would be more meaningful than AI recommendations.
Turnbull has not commented publicly since removing the post.
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