The sweeping layoffs introduced by Microsoft this week have been particularly arduous on its gaming studios, however one Xbox govt has an answer to “assist cut back the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss”: search recommendation from AI chatbots.
In a now-deleted LinkedIn publish captured by Aftermath, Xbox Sport Studios’ Matt Turnbull mentioned that he could be “remiss in not attempting to supply one of the best recommendation I can underneath the circumstances.” The circumstances right here being a slew of sport cancellations, companies being shuttered, studio closures, and job cuts throughout key Xbox divisions as Microsoft lays off as many as 9,100 workers throughout the corporate.
Turnbull acknowledged that folks have some “sturdy emotions” about AI instruments like ChatGPT and Copilot, however prompt that anyone who’s feeling “overwhelmed” might use them to get recommendation about creating resumes, profession planning, and making use of for brand spanking new roles.
“These are actually difficult occasions, and should you’re navigating a layoff and even quietly making ready for one, you’re not alone and also you don’t must go it alone,” Turnbull mentioned. “No AI instrument is a substitute to your voice or your lived expertise. However at a time when psychological vitality is scarce, these instruments can assist get you unstuck sooner, calmer, and with extra readability.”
Microsoft has loudly embraced AI, having introduced plans in January to make investments $80 billion into AI infrastructure previous to this newest wave of job cuts. That atmosphere may need made Turnbull assume his suggestions have been cheap. Extra broadly, nevertheless, generative AI is seen by some creatives as a menace to artistic industries like gaming, which has already struggled with rising layoffs and studio closures over the previous couple of years.
It’s unclear why Turnbull deleted his LinkedIn publish, but when the feedback on this repost made to Bluesky are any indication, creatives in all probability didn’t take too kindly to his strategies.
You may learn the complete textual content of the deleted publish under:
“These are actually difficult occasions, and should you’re navigating a layoff and even quietly making ready for one, you’re not alone and also you don’t must go it alone.
I do know some of these instruments engender sturdy emotions in individuals, however I’d be remiss in not attempting to supply one of the best recommendation I can underneath the circumstances. I’ve been experimenting with methods to make use of LLM AI instruments (like ChatGPT or Copilot) to assist cut back the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss.
Listed here are some immediate concepts and use instances which may assist should you’re feeling overwhelmed:
Profession Planning Prompts:
“Act as a profession coach. I’ve been laid off from a [role] within the sport trade. Assist me construct a 30-day plan to regroup, analysis new roles, and begin making use of with out burning out.”
“What sorts of sport trade jobs might I pivot to with expertise in [Production/Narrative/LiveOps/etc.]?”
Resume & Linkedin Assist
“Right here’s 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 affect and metrics.”
“Draft a brand new LinkedIn ‘About Me’ part that focuses on my management model, shipped titles, and imaginative and prescient for sport growth.”
Networking & Outreach
“Draft a pleasant message I can ship to previous coworkers letting them know I’m exploring new alternatives.”
“Write a heat intro message for reaching out to somebody at [studio name] a few job posting.”
Emotional Readability & Confidence
“I’m scuffling with imposter syndrome after being laid off. Are you able to assist me reframe this expertise in a manner that jogs my memory what I’m good at?”
No Al instrument is a substitute to your voice or your lived expertise. However at a time when psychological vitality is scarce, these instruments can assist get you unstuck sooner, calmer, and with extra readability.
If this helps, be happy to share with others in your community.
Keep variety, keep good, keep linked.”