Xbox Executive Producer Suggested Using AI to Cope With Job Loss

Xbox executive producer Matt Turnbull made a LinkedIn post with the intent of helping those who had lost their jobs find a new one. Within the now deleted post, the executive producer recommended people use AI to help cope with the loss, suggesting various prompts and strategies to wield AI to aid in a job search; this news post was made in the context of Microsoft’s substantial layoffs, which affected over 9,000 employees. 

“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,” he wrote.

He then gave example prompts for generative AI, catered to finding a new job: 

“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.]?”  

The prompt examples go on; the LinkedIn post has since been deleted after Matt Turnbull received backlash. Brandon Sheffield, creative director of Necrosoft Games, criticized Turnbull’s post. 

“Something I’ve realized over time is people in general lack the ability to think in a broader scope and include context and eventualities. But after thousands of people get laid off from your company maybe don’t suggest they turn to the thing you’re trying to replace them with for solace,” he wrote on Bluesky. The full archived post from Matt Turbull can be found here.