Microsoft Exec Tells Devs Laid Off Because Of AI To Ask It For Job Advice

July 5, 2025

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In case you haven’t been paying attention to gaming news, this past week has been very challenging for Xbox fans, as Microsoft has shelved over 9,000 jobs across multiple divisions and even canceled a significant number of projects.

While most people would feel bad for the employees laid off, one executive at Xbox has a different take on how people who lost their livelihood should cope, and it’s with AI (artificial intelligence).

I want to say what we’re about to relay is a parody of some sort, but sadly, it’s not.

Xbox Producer “Best Advice” To Laid Off People Is To Use AI

On LinkedIn (via Aftermath), Xbox Game Studios Publishing Executive Producer Matt Turnbull posted a lengthy message on how people laid off and facing challenging times don’t need to go at it alone.

Turnbull’s solution? Use AI to help people network, shore up their resume and even for emotional support. Nope, I am not kidding. Turnbull says, “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 Al tools (like ChatGPT or Copilot) to help reduce the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss.”

Some of his advice on how laid-off employees use AI include:

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?”

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.”

There’s also advice on networking and career planning, but you get the gist.

No retirement party for Phil yet.

While Turnbull does mention that no AI tool is “a replacement for your voice or your lived experience,” the advice sounds a little tone-deaf, given that AI is also to blame for the layoffs happening in the first place. It seems Turnbull suddenly realized his misstep, or someone pointed out how inane it was, since his post was already deleted.

Case in point: one report surfaced that mentioned how Microsoft was “trying their damnest” to replace devs at Halo Studios with AI.

In other news related to the layoffs, one studio within Xbox, which has been in operation for more than 20 years, is reportedly being relegated to support work, which doesn’t bode well for its developers’ future.

Let’s hope the next major news from Xbox is a good one.