Xbox to Replace Around 200 King Jobs with AI Tools

Microsoft’s Xbox Division Streamlines Content Creation with AI Tools, Leading to Job Cuts at King Studios

Microsoft’s Xbox division is replacing approximately 200 roles at King, the mobile game studio behind Candy Crush Saga, with AI tools. These job cuts primarily affect middle management, user experience (UX), and narrative copywriting positions. Additionally, King’s UK-based Farm Heroes Saga studio laid off over 50 staff, including level designers and user researchers. King aims to streamline content creation, particularly in level design and story writing, through the integration of AI. This move aligns with King’s Chief Technology Officer’s ambition, stated at the May 2023 Game Developers Conference (GDC), for the company to become “AI-first.” An internal memo, published by Mobile Gamer Biz, indicates King is pursuing profitability with a reduced workforce due to industry shifts and stagnant business growth. King’s developers actively created and trained the AI tools now taking over these roles. While King emphasizes efficiency and profit, it reportedly dismissed some programmers without clear reasons, and insiders criticized its Human Resources department. The widespread job cuts reportedly disheartened King employees. Microsoft’s broader layoffs have also impacted other studios, including ZeniMax Online Studios.

AI Transforming Game Development: Grand Theft Auto VII Taps into AI for Faster Production, Smaller Studios Seize Opportunities

In a broader industry context, Rockstar Games is reportedly exploring AI for Grand Theft Auto VII to accelerate development and reduce production costs. Conversely, smaller game development teams see AI tools as an opportunity to enter game production and potentially take more creative risks.

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