It has been a tough week at Microsoft. Following the information that on the firm, one Xbox govt provided some questionable phrases of recommendation for folks on their approach out: Discover solace in Microsoft Copilot.
, Matt Turnbull, an govt producer at Xbox Sport Studios Publishing who clearly didn’t lose his job just lately, took to LinkedIn to let of us know, “You are not alone and you do not have to go it alone.” In the identical breath as acknowledging that AI evokes “robust emotions in folks,” Turnbull prompt that LLMs like ChatGPT and Copilot might “assist cut back the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss.”
Turnbull went on to supply particular AI prompts that he beneficial for just lately laid-off folks, together with, “Write a heat intro message for reaching out to somebody at [studio name] a couple of job posting.” He defined how an LLM might help overwhelmed builders in planning their careers and punching up their resumés, and in addition assist with “emotional readability and confidence.”
The publish was circulated by Necrosoft Video games director and host Brandon Sheffield, the place it obtained a predictably damaging response. According to Video Games Chronicle, LinkedIn customers have been equally unimpressed. Turnbull deleted the publish a couple of hours later. This is the complete textual content from the LinkedIn publish:
These are actually difficult occasions, and for those who’re navigating a layoff and even quietly getting ready for one, you are not alone and you do not have to go it alone.
I do know some of these instruments engender robust emotions in folks, however I might be remiss in not attempting to supply the most effective recommendation I can beneath the circumstances. I have been experimenting with methods to make use of LLM Al instruments (like ChatGPT or Copilot) to assist cut back the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss.
Listed below are some immediate concepts and use circumstances that may assist for those who’re feeling overwhelmed:
Profession Planning Prompts:
“Act as a profession coach. I have been laid off from a [role] within the recreation business. Assist me construct a 30-day plan to regroup, analysis new roles, and begin making use of with out burning out.”
“What sorts of recreation business jobs might I pivot to with expertise in [Production/Narrative/LiveOps/etc.]?”
Resume & Linkedin Assist
“This is my present resume. Give me three tailor-made variations: one for AAA, one for platform/publishing roles, and one for startup/small studio management.”
“Rewrite this resume bullet to focus on influence and metrics.”
“Draft a brand new LinkedIn ‘About Me’ part that focuses on my management model, shipped titles, and imaginative and prescient for recreation growth.”
Networking & Outreach
“Draft a pleasant message I can ship to previous coworkers letting them know I am exploring new alternatives.”
“Write a heat intro message for reaching out to somebody at [studio name] a couple of job posting.”
Emotional Readability & Confidence
“I am combating imposter syndrome after being laid off. Are you able to assist me reframe this expertise in a approach that jogs my memory what I am good at?”
No Al software is a alternative to your voice or your lived expertise. However at a time when psychological power is scarce, these instruments may help get you unstuck sooner, calmer, and with extra readability.
If this helps, be at liberty to share with others in your community.
Keep variety, keep good, keep linked.
Turnbull’s publish, nonetheless earnest, comes at a time when Microsoft is seemingly all-in on each AI and layoffs. The 9,000 job losses this week add to over . Microsoft President Brad Smith started 2025 by committing to spend around $80 billion on AI infrastructure by the 12 months, and CEO Satya Nadella just lately shared that is now authored by AI.
Simply final week, Enterprise Insider reported on one other govt telling workers that utilizing Copilot is “” in an inside memo. One developer at Halo Studios, which was affected by the layoffs, told Engadget’s Jessica Conditt that they felt Xbox management was seeking to “change as many roles as they will with AI brokers.”
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