I’m shocked Microsoft’s Xbox Graphics department used this embarrassing AI-generated ad — “The irony that the head of Xbox Graphics using a Al image and didn’t see the screen was backward.”

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This year, Microsoft, the company behind Windows and Xbox, has intensified its attention and application of artificial intelligence (AI). They’re aggressively promoting the internal adoption of Copilot within their processes and are placing a premium on employees who exhibit “essential AI skills” – all while reportedly experiencing growing friction with partner OpenAI.

It’s no wonder that an AI-created image was utilized in one of the company’s job recruitment ads. However, what is indeed surprising is the startling and awkwardly unintelligent nature of the image.

The advertisement under discussion pertains to the Xbox Graphics Team, who are in charge of creating drivers and collaborating with developers to deliver seamless game graphics on Xbox devices. This job posting was shared by Mike Matsel, a leading development manager, on LinkedIn. It includes an image of a woman smiling at a computer, the Xbox logo, and prominent “XBOX GRAPHICS IS RECRUITING” text against a backdrop of the signature Xbox-green color.

The issue at hand is that the code the woman is working on appears to be displayed in reverse, or mirrored, on her computer’s monitor. This means that everything is flipped horizontally, causing the ad she’s looking at to appear entirely nonsensical and confusing. Take a look for yourself: [Insert screenshot here]

https://www.linkedin.com/watch?v=feed/update/urn:li:share:7349539852884844547

This error in the advertisement is so obvious and striking that it jumps out at you right away, making me question if Matsel or anyone else from Microsoft overlooked it prior to publishing this official announcement (there are other peculiarities too, such as missing shadows and the desk’s right side disappearing into nothingness). It appears either no one took the time to do a quick review of the ad before posting it online, or they didn’t consider the AI’s mistake significant enough to correct it or create a more accurate image.

The explanations do not uphold Microsoft’s expectations for high-quality and professional work, as criticized by industry professionals in the post’s comments.

A senior Microsoft software engineer, who might have been impacted by the layoffs, expressed his displeasure in a strong manner. He criticized the company’s decision to terminate its dedicated and brilliant workforce to fund AI projects, while simultaneously pretending to value employees by hiring new ones as replacements. Furthermore, he called out the use of generative AI for advertising purposes, which he found dehumanizing.

Another commenter remarked about contemplating the situation for thousands of Xbox employees who are being let go, while observing the head of graphics promoting artificial intelligence positions in a seemingly misaligned display on their screen.

It’s amusing that the leader of Xbox Graphics couldn’t notice the reversed screen, despite being an expert in AI images,” noted someone else. “Why not apply to Microsoft? Being let go seems to be purely a matter of chance.

Approximately a week following Microsoft’s mass layoff of over 9,000 employees across various divisions, bringing their total planned reduction to over 15,300 by 2025, the announcement of further changes within the Xbox brand was made. This shakeup resulted in the cancellation of Rare’s Everwild project and ZeniMax’s new MMO, the shelving of the long-anticipated Perfect Dark reboot, and the closure of development studio The Initiative.

Following the harsh round of layoffs, posting something as careless and thoughtless as this is not only reckless but also shockingly insensitive. What’s more, considering it was published two days ago, I find it remarkable that it hasn’t been removed yet, given the intense backlash it has faced since then.

If I were a software engineer today, keeping an eye on ethical and responsible adoption of rapidly advancing AI technologies by companies, such LinkedIn ads from Microsoft might not appeal to me or instill confidence.

A disgruntled reader remarked, “Is it true that Xbox functions like this today? Letting go of thousands, then rehiring using subpar AI for artwork. Microsoft/Xbox should be ashamed.” Indeed, their sentiment seems valid.

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2025-07-15 01:39