Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional 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 employee layoffs. The news emerged after a series of LinkedIn updates from current and former staff members indicated that the cuts started on a Friday earlier this week. The initial hint came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who posted that Schell Games experienced its "first ever layoffs" on that day.
The manager clarified that they themselves were not among those let go, and added a broader perspective on the situation: "This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do. Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging." The phrasing underscores a sentiment that the downturn is systemic rather than a reflection of individual performance.
Further confirmation arrived from Dwayne Waite Jr., the company’s marketing director, who acknowledged that the marketing department was directly affected. Waite listed four colleagues who were part of the reduction, offering a personal touch to the otherwise stark announcement. In addition, the studio’s senior public‑relations manager shared names of staff members from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams who were also impacted, painting a broader picture of the cuts across multiple disciplines. Compiling the publicly shared information suggests that roughly fourteen employees have been let go.
This figure is notable given that Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists its workforce as falling somewhere between 51 and 200 people, indicating that the layoffs affect a measurable percentage of the company’s total headcount. One of the affected employees, the senior public‑relations manager, expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride in a follow‑up post. "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." This sentiment reflects both the personal impact of the layoffs and a lingering sense of achievement despite the abrupt ending. The timing of these reductions is particularly striking because Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, has publicly advocated against job cuts for several years.
In a 2024 interview with *GamesIndustry.biz*, Schell emphasized a philosophy that separates financial risk from the risk to employees. He stated, "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 lean financial periods, positioning the company as an outlier in an industry where layoffs have become increasingly common. The current situation, therefore, raises questions about the pressures that may have forced a deviation from that stance.
Industry analysts point to a broader contraction in the video‑game market, with reduced consumer spending, heightened competition, and shifting platform dynamics all contributing to a challenging environment for mid‑size developers. While *GamesIndustry.biz* has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment on the recent layoffs, no response has been published at the time of writing.
The lack of a direct statement from the leadership leaves room for speculation about whether the cuts are a temporary measure, a strategic realignment, or a symptom of deeper financial strain. In the larger context, the layoffs at Schell Games echo a wave of workforce reductions that have swept through the gaming sector over the past year.
Studios of varying sizes have announced similar moves, often citing "market volatility," "project delays," or "restructuring" as primary drivers. For employees, the trend underscores the precarious nature of employment in a field that balances creative ambition with commercial realities. For those directly affected, the transition can be challenging. Many professionals in the industry rely on a network of contacts, portfolio showcases, and freelance opportunities to navigate periods of unemployment.
Organizations such as the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) and various alumni groups frequently provide resources, mentorship, and job boards to assist displaced workers in finding new roles. Looking ahead, Schell Games will likely need to reassess its project pipeline, funding strategies, and perhaps explore partnerships or external investment to stabilize its operations. The studio’s reputation for innovative gameplay and high‑quality production values could serve as an asset in negotiations with publishers or in the pursuit of new intellectual property ventures.
In summary, the recent staff reductions at Schell Games mark a sobering moment for a company that has long championed employee security. While the exact motivations behind the decision remain partially opaque, the broader industry climate—characterized by financial pressure and shifting consumer habits—appears to be a significant factor. The affected employees have expressed a blend of sorrow and gratitude, reflecting both the personal impact of the layoffs and the pride they feel in their contributions. As the gaming sector continues to evolve, the situation at Schell Games serves as a reminder that even studios with strong ethical commitments can face difficult choices when market conditions turn adverse.