Against the backdrop of #Microsoft's mass #layoffs at its #Xbox division, the management advertises genAI workshops at #GamesCom and advises the fired #gamedevs to use AI to cope with the job loss.
If there is any way to appear more out of touch with reality, I can't think of any.
As Brandon Sheffield documented these messages over on BlueSky:
https://bsky.app/profile/brandon.insertcredit.com/post/3lt32s7t22k2r
https://bsky.app/profile/brandon.insertcredit.com/post/3lt4diia3xc2l
![Screenshot of a posting by Matt Turnbull (Executive Producer at Xbox Game Studios Publishing) on LinkedIn:
These are really challenging times, and if you're navigating a layoff or even quietly preparing for one, you're not alone and you don't have to go it alone.
I know these types of tools engender strong feelings in people, but I'd be remiss in not trying to offer the best advice | 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.
Here are some prompt ideas and use cases that might help if you're feeling overwhelmed:
Career Planning Prompts:
“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 | pivot to with experience in [Production/Narrative/LiveOps/etc.]?"
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.”
Networking & Outreach
“Draft a friendly message | can send ..."
Sorry, text too long for full length!](https://cdn.masto.host/mastodongamedevplace/media_attachments/files/114/794/233/199/945/461/original/bb2afd8dc8536c86.jpg)
Screenshot of a posting by Matt Turnbull (Executive Producer at Xbox Game Studios Publishing) on LinkedIn:
These are really challenging times, and if you're navigating a layoff or even quietly preparing for one, you're not alone and you don't have to go it alone.
I know these types of tools engender strong feelings in people, but I'd be remiss in not trying to offer the best advice | 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.
Here are some prompt ideas and use cases that might help if you're feeling overwhelmed:
Career Planning Prompts:
“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 | pivot to with experience in [Production/Narrative/LiveOps/etc.]?"
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.”
Networking & Outreach
“Draft a friendly message | can send ..."
Sorry, text too long for full length!

Screenshot of a marketing email from Microsoft:
Hello!
We are excited to be heading to Gamescom 2025 in Cologne, Germany, again this year! If you will also be attending, we are offering an Al Roundtable where you can provide us your feedback on how you'd like to see us use Al in our tools and processes to make the game development and publishing experience more efficient.