Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of the wildly popular party game Among Us and for the critically acclaimed I Expect You to Die series, has recently been forced to reduce its workforce. The news emerged after several employees posted about the layoffs on LinkedIn, prompting coverage by Game Developer and other industry outlets.
According to the report, the first wave of dismissals began on a Friday, marking the first time the company has ever had to let staff go. The studio’s principal engineering manager was among the first to speak publicly, noting that while they themselves were not part of the cuts, they were witnessing the painful process unfold.
"Schell Games had their first ever layoffs today," the manager wrote, adding a note of reassurance to colleagues: "This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do. Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging." The marketing department was also hit hard. Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, confirmed that members of his team were among those affected and even named four specific individuals whose positions were eliminated. In addition, the senior public‑relations manager shared further details, listing several colleagues from the art, design, and visual‑effects divisions who were losing their jobs.
When the information from these various posts is combined, it appears that roughly fourteen employees have been impacted overall. Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists the studio’s headcount as falling somewhere between 51 and 200 staff members, which means the layoffs represent a small but still significant percentage of the workforce. One of the public‑relations staff members who was leaving expressed mixed emotions about the departure.
"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 timing of the cuts is noteworthy because it appears to contradict the public stance taken by Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, who has long spoken out against job reductions. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell emphasized that the studio separates financial risk from the risk to its employees. 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." Despite those assurances, the current economic climate in the video‑game sector has been turbulent. Industry analysts point to a combination of rising development costs, shifting consumer spending habits, and broader macro‑economic pressures that have left many studios scrambling to stay afloat. The phrase "our industry is hemorrhaging" has been echoed by several executives across the sector, indicating that Schell Games is not alone in facing these challenges.
The layoffs also raise questions about the sustainability of mid‑size independent studios that rely heavily on contract work and partnerships with larger publishers. Schell Games, which has built a reputation for innovative, narrative‑driven experiences, often collaborates with educational institutions and corporate clients, diversifying its revenue streams beyond pure entertainment titles. However, even a diversified portfolio can be vulnerable when overall market demand contracts. For the employees who were let go, the transition can be especially difficult.
Many in the game‑development community rely on a tight network of contacts, and sudden job loss can disrupt ongoing projects and personal finances. Some of the affected staff have already begun to share their next steps on social media, with a few indicating they are exploring freelance opportunities, while others are considering further education or a shift to related fields such as animation, UI/UX design, or interactive media. The broader reaction within the gaming community has been one of empathy and support. Fans of Schell Games’ titles have taken to forums and social media to express gratitude for the work the studio has produced and to wish the departing employees well.
A number of industry veterans have also offered mentorship or job leads, underscoring the collaborative spirit that often emerges during times of hardship. While Schell Games has not issued an official statement beyond the individual LinkedIn posts, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out for comment and is awaiting a response. The lack of a formal corporate announcement leaves room for speculation about the company’s future strategy. Some observers suggest that the layoffs may be a pre‑emptive measure to streamline operations ahead of a new project launch, while others think it could be a reaction to a specific contract loss or a shift in the company’s strategic focus.
In any case, the episode serves as a reminder of the volatility inherent in the video‑game industry. Even studios with strong brand recognition and a track record of successful releases are not immune to market forces. For aspiring developers and seasoned professionals alike, the situation underscores the importance of adaptability, continuous skill development, and the cultivation of a robust professional network.
Looking ahead, Schell Games will likely need to balance its commitment to creative risk‑taking with prudent financial management. Whether the studio can maintain its culture of innovation without further workforce reductions remains to be seen.
For now, the affected employees are moving forward, carrying with them the experience and pride of having contributed to memorable games that resonated with players worldwide. The story of Schell Games’ layoffs is still unfolding, and it will be instructive to watch how the company navigates the post‑layoff period, how it communicates with its remaining staff, and whether it can regain the stability that its founder once promised. In the meantime, the industry watches, hopeful that the talent set free will find new opportunities to shape the future of interactive entertainment.