Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the 3‑D version of the viral hit *Among Us* and for the critically acclaimed *I Expect You to Die* puzzle‑adventure series, has reportedly begun a round of staff reductions. The news surfaced after several employees posted about the layoffs on LinkedIn, prompting coverage by industry outlet Game Developer. The first public indication came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who shared that the company had carried out its inaugural layoff round on a Friday.
The manager clarified that they themselves were not among those let go and emphasized that the decision was not tied to any personal performance issues. "This isn’t a result of any individual actions. Our sector is currently bleeding heavily," the post read, underscoring the broader economic pressures affecting the video‑game field and related creative industries.
Further confirmation arrived from Dwayne Waite Jr., Schell Games’ marketing director, who disclosed that the cuts also impacted the marketing department. He listed four colleagues who were affected, providing names that gave a human face to the otherwise abstract statistic.
In addition, the studio’s senior public‑relations manager added to the growing list by naming several members from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams who were also part of the reduction. Compiling the various LinkedIn updates, observers estimate that roughly fourteen employees have been impacted in total. This figure is notable given that Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists the firm’s headcount as ranging between 51 and 200 staff members, indicating that the layoffs affect a non‑trivial percentage of the workforce. One of the affected employees, the senior public‑relations manager, posted a reflective farewell message.
"I won’t pretend this isn’t a disappointing way to end this chapter, especially after almost six years," they wrote. "But I’m walking away proud of what I accomplished during my time with the company, and I’m grateful for the people I got to build with." The sentiment captures both the sadness of an abrupt departure and the gratitude for the collaborative experiences that defined their tenure. The timing of the layoffs is particularly striking because Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, has long positioned himself as an advocate against job cuts. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from employment security.
He explained, "At the heart of it all is choosing not to put jobs at risk. We’ll put cash at risk when we make a game, but we don’t put jobs at risk.
Even if our own IP brings in zero dollars, we still haven’t put any jobs at risk – we still have a path forward where we’ll be able to keep people on. So, in a lot of ways, it’s a choice." Schell’s remarks suggested a commitment to preserving staff even in the face of commercial uncertainty, making the recent reductions appear contradictory to his earlier stance. The discrepancy has prompted industry observers to wonder whether the company’s financial situation has deteriorated to a point where the previous policy is no longer viable, or whether external market forces—such as the ongoing contraction of the gaming sector, rising development costs, and shifting consumer preferences—have forced a reassessment of priorities. The broader context is a gaming industry that has been described as “hemorrhaging” talent and revenue in recent months.
Several high‑profile studios have announced similar workforce adjustments, citing factors like delayed releases, the fallout from over‑ambitious projects, and a slowdown in consumer spending on entertainment. In this climate, even studios that have historically prioritized employee stability are feeling pressure to trim costs. While Schell Games has not yet issued an official statement addressing the layoffs, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out for comment.
The lack of an immediate response leaves room for speculation about the company’s future direction. Some analysts suggest that the studio may be reallocating resources toward new IP development or focusing on partnerships that promise more reliable revenue streams. Others posit that the cuts could be a pre‑emptive measure to safeguard the core team against longer‑term financial strain. For the employees who remain, the announcement likely brings a mix of relief and anxiety.
On the one hand, they have retained their positions; on the other, they may now be tasked with additional responsibilities to fill the gaps left by departing colleagues. The shift could also affect morale, as teams adjust to a leaner structure and navigate the emotional impact of saying goodbye to coworkers.
In summary, Schell Games’ first ever layoff round reflects a sobering moment for a studio that has built a reputation for innovative, narrative‑driven experiences. The decision underscores the harsh reality that even companies with strong creative visions are not immune to the economic headwinds sweeping the gaming industry. As the studio moves forward, it will need to balance its commitment to creative excellence with the pragmatic demands of financial sustainability, all while maintaining the trust and dedication of the remaining staff. The coming weeks will likely reveal how Schell Games intends to navigate this challenging landscape and whether it can uphold the values espoused by its founder in the face of unavoidable market pressures.