Staff laid off at King will be replaced by AI tools they helped to create
10 months ago
- #AI
- #Layoffs
- #Gaming
- King staff laid off as part of Microsoft's cuts will be replaced by AI tools they helped develop.
- Affected roles include level designers and narrative copywriters, with AI now handling their tasks.
- Around 200 people were laid off, with morale reportedly 'in the gutter' post-cuts.
- Cuts mostly impacted middle management, UX, and narrative teams, including half of Farm Heroes Saga's London team.
- King has been using AI for playtesting Candy Crush Saga, with tools providing design insights and recommendations.
- Senior staff are on gardening leave until September, awaiting a new organizational chart.
- King acquired AI firm Peltarion in 2022 and views AI as a 'co-pilot' for designers, not a replacement.