Update July 16 at 2:05pm ET: A Microsoft spokesperson has responded to MobileSyrup with a statement “We continue to implement organizational and workforce changes that are necessary to position the company and teams for success in a dynamic marketplace.”
Anonymous sources from the mobile game company behind Candy Crush, King, said that developers affected by the recent Microsoft layoffs will be replaced by AI tools they helped train.
“The fact AI tools are replacing people is absolutely disgusting, but it’s all about efficiency and profits, even though the company is doing great overall,” a King staff member told Mobilegamer.biz.
The sources that spoke with the publication said that many of the level designers for Candy Crush had spent months creating AI tools to design levels more quickly, but they are now being let go and replaced with the very AI tools they helped create. In addition to the level designers, the copywriting team is reportedly facing a similar situation.
Other sources claim that vocal employees and those who expressed “dissatisfaction” with the company were targeted for removal. Another source said King had long-running HR problems.
The Microsoft layoffs reportedly affected 200 workers at King, but sources suggest the number could be higher. Moreover, there are ongoing discussions between King’s leadership and unions, leaving many employees in limbo over whether their jobs will also be cut.
MobileSyrup reached out to Microsoft about the layoffs and will update this story if the company provides additional information.
Source: Mobilegamer.biz
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