Xbox Executive Faces Backlash Over AI Advice to Laid-Off Staff
- tech360.tv
- Jul 8, 2025
- 2 min read
An Xbox executive producer has come under fire after suggesting that employees affected by Microsoft’s recent layoffs use artificial intelligence tools to cope with job loss.
Matt Turnbull, executive producer at Xbox Game Studios Publishing, made the comments in a now-deleted LinkedIn post following Microsoft’s announcement that up to 9,000 jobs would be cut this year.
In the post, Turnbull recommended tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to help reduce the “emotional and cognitive load” associated with losing a job. The post was captured in a screenshot by tech news site Aftermath.
Turnbull acknowledged the emotional toll of layoffs and said, “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.”
He also noted that AI tools can trigger “strong feelings in people” but said he aimed to offer the “best advice” under the circumstances.
Turnbull shared that he had been experimenting with large language model AI tools and suggested prompts for career planning, CV and LinkedIn support, and emotional clarity.
“If this helps, feel free to share with others in your network,” he wrote.
The post drew criticism on social media, with one X user calling it “plain disgusting” and another saying it left them “speechless.”
Microsoft has not specified which divisions will be affected by the layoffs, but reports suggest the Xbox gaming unit is among those impacted.
The company is investing heavily in AI, with plans to spend USD 80 billion on data centres to train AI models.
The job cuts represent about 4% of Microsoft’s global workforce of 228,000 employees. Some video game projects have reportedly been affected.
Xbox executive Matt Turnbull suggested AI tools to help laid-off staff cope
His LinkedIn post was deleted after backlash on social media
Microsoft is cutting up to 9,000 jobs, or 4% of its global workforce
Source: BBC
