New Delhi: A fresh wave of layoffs at Microsoft’s Xbox division has left around 9,000 workers without jobs, just as the company pushes forward with its massive ₹6.96 lakh crore ($80 billion) AI expansion. But what really stirred the pot this week wasn’t just the scale of job cuts; it was the advice offered by a top Xbox executive.

Matt Turnbull, senior producer at Xbox Game Studios Publishing, posted a message on LinkedIn with an unusual suggestion. He urged recently laid-off employees to lean on AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot for emotional support and job hunting. His post, now deleted, was meant to be helpful, but it ended up triggering outrage across social media platforms.

Matt Turnbull, Executive Producer at Xbox Game Studios Publishing – after the Microsoft layoffs – suggesting on Linkedin that may maybe people who have been let go should turn to AI for help. He seriously thought posting this would be a good idea.

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— Brandon Sheffield (@brandon.insertcredit.com) July 4, 2025 at 9:18 AM

In his now-deleted post, Turnbull wrote, “No AI tool is a replacement for your voice or your lived experience. But at a time when mental energy is scarce, these tools can help get you unstuck faster, calmer, and with more clarity.”

He shared that he had been experimenting with AI prompts to ease the stress of losing a job. He encouraged users to try things like rewriting LinkedIn bios, sending professional networking messages, and even reframing emotional struggles.

One of his suggested prompts read:
“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?”

For Turnbull, the idea was to show how AI could offer structure and guidance when emotions were high and clarity was low. But for many who had just been let go, the advice came across as cold.

It didn’t take long for Turnbull’s comments to attract sharp criticism. The post was picked up by game developer Brandon Sheffield and shared on Bluesky, where responses were blunt. One user wrote, “Gross.” Another said, “This is completely detached from reality. I’m sure he meant well, but what the hell was he thinking?”

Many were especially upset by the irony of being told to use Microsoft-backed AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot, after being fired by the same company that funds them.

Some pointed out that AI can be helpful when used with care, especially for things like writing emails, updating resumes or exploring new careers. But using it as an emotional crutch after a layoff, especially without human support, felt insensitive to many.

Turnbull himself admitted in the post that “these tools provoke strong emotions in people.” That part, at least, was spot on.

The timing didn’t help either. Microsoft is under heavy scrutiny for letting go of thousands while doubling down on its AI investments. Critics have accused the company of pushing automation at the cost of human jobs. So when a top producer suggests talking to AI about your layoff, it’s bound to hit a nerve.

The post was soon taken down. But by then, screenshots were circulating widely and the conversation had already picked up.