La traducción al inglés del título es: "Laid-off workers should use artificial intelligence to manage their emotions, says Xbox executive."
"Perceive the environment, Matt."
The recent layoffs at Microsoft, which have dramatically affected its video game studios, have generated mixed reactions among employees. In this context, an Xbox executive has proposed an unconventional solution to “alleviate the emotional and cognitive burden of losing a job”: seeking advice through artificial intelligence chatbots.
Matt Turnbull, from Xbox Game Studios, made a comment in a LinkedIn post that was later removed, stating that it would be irresponsible not to provide the best possible advice in these difficult circumstances. Amid game cancellations, service closures, studio shutdowns, and layoffs affecting several key divisions of Xbox, it is evident that Microsoft is facing layoffs of up to 9,100 employees across the company.
Turnbull acknowledged that tools like ChatGPT and Copilot generate polarized opinions but recommended that those feeling "overwhelmed" consider using them for advice on resume writing, career planning, and applying for new positions.
“These are very challenging times, and if you’re navigating a layoff or quietly preparing for one, you’re not alone and you don’t have to face it alone,” Turnbull commented. “No AI tool can replace your voice or your life experience. However, at a time when mental energy is scarce, these tools can help you emerge from a state of stagnation more quickly, with greater calm and clarity.”
Microsoft has embraced artificial intelligence robustly, announcing in January an $80 billion investment in AI infrastructure ahead of this latest round of layoffs. This decision may have influenced Turnbull's perception of the viability of his recommendations. However, in a broader context, some creatives see generative AI as a threat to creative industries like gaming, which has already faced an increase in layoffs and studio closures in recent years.
The reason behind the removal of Turnbull's post remains uncertain, but reactions to a repost of this situation on Bluesky suggest that his suggestions were not well received by the creative community.
Among the suggestions Turnbull shared before deleting his post were various ways to utilize AI tools for professional development, rewriting resumes, and making industry connections, as well as helping to combat imposter syndrome following a layoff.
