Microsoft's recent layoffs have affected more than 9,000 employees, raising concerns internally and externally about the impact of AI on the workforce. Despite claims that productivity would increase through AI innovations like Copilot, many employees are left feeling insecure. Notable staffers have voiced fears and frustrations on social media, highlighting anxiety about job security amid ongoing cuts in various divisions, such as the gaming sector. The situation has led to a sense of uncertainty about who will remain at Microsoft given the scale of the layoffs and emphasis on AI.
Former Microsoft staffer, Ned Pyle, posed a critical question on the Bluesky platform: "How many billions must be burned in the AI furnace before this stops?" This sentiment reflects the frustration and anxiety among employees concerning the company's prioritization of artificial intelligence over workforce stability.
Current Microsoft engineer Larry Osterman expressed concern, stating, "I know some folks in Xbox who are terrified" after a previous round of layoffs. He noted, "We *think* our team is likely safe after a 10 percent haircut last time around, but it's scary."
Following the latest layoffs, the King's division, responsible for Candy Crush, will trim 10 percent of its workforce. Additionally, projects like Perfect Dark and Everwild have been canceled, alongside staff reductions at the studio behind Forza Motorsport.
A Microsoft staffer dubbed @threddyrex.com humorously speculated about the future of the company after layoffs, suggesting that "it'll be three copilots in a trench coat running the show," which encapsulates the underlying anxiety around artificial intelligence replacing human roles.
Collection
[
|
...
]