Overview

• Mike Matsel’s LinkedIn post invited applicants for two Xbox Graphics roles using an AI-generated image with obvious flaws, including a monitor displayed backwards and inconsistent shadows.
• The job advertisement remains live on LinkedIn despite widespread condemnation for its insensitivity just days after Microsoft cut over 9,000 gaming division positions and closed studios like The Initiative.
• Critics labeled the use of AI art “exceedingly tone deaf” when the company is calling for human graphics talent and highlighted its announced $80 billion AI investment as evidence of misplaced priorities.
• This misstep follows Xbox executive producer Matt Turnbull’s earlier suggestion that laid-off employees seek emotional support and job leads through ChatGPT, deepening concerns over tone-deaf communications.
• Industry observers say the incident underscores broader tensions between aggressive AI adoption strategies and the need to safeguard creative and technical workforces.