Schell Games, the development 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* series, has confirmed that it is cutting staff positions. The news surfaced after several employees posted about the layoffs on LinkedIn, prompting a broader industry discussion about the health of the gaming sector.
According to a report from *Game Developer*, the first wave of dismissals began on a Friday, and multiple members of the team shared their experiences publicly. One of the most prominent posts came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote, “Schell Games had their first ever layoffs today.” The manager clarified that they themselves were not among those let go, emphasizing that the decision was not tied to any individual performance issues.
The engineering manager’s message continued, “This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do. Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging.” The phrase captures a broader sentiment that many game developers are feeling as market volatility, rising production costs, and shifting consumer preferences put pressure on even well‑established studios. Further confirmation came from Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, who acknowledged that the marketing department was affected and listed four colleagues who were part of the reduction.
In addition, the senior public‑relations manager posted a separate update, naming several individuals from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams who were also impacted. When the various posts are combined, it appears that roughly fourteen employees have been let go, a significant number for a company that lists its headcount as ranging between 51 and 200 on its LinkedIn profile. The public‑relations manager offered a reflective note on the experience, stating, “I won’t pretend this isn’t a disappointing way to end this chapter, especially after almost six years. 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 underscores both the personal toll of layoffs and the professional pride that many staff members retain despite the abrupt ending.
The layoffs are particularly striking given the public stance taken by Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, who has long positioned the studio as a champion of job security. In a 2024 interview with *GamesIndustry.biz*, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from the risk to 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.” He went on to say, “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.” The contrast between Schell’s earlier assurances and the current reality raises questions about the underlying forces that may have compelled the studio to reverse its policy. Industry analysts point to a confluence of factors that have strained many mid‑size developers: a slowdown in consumer spending on games, increased competition from large publishers with deeper pockets, and the lingering effects of supply‑chain disruptions that have affected hardware sales and, by extension, software revenue.
Moreover, the broader gaming ecosystem has been experiencing what insiders describe as a “bleeding” phase. After a period of rapid expansion driven by the mobile boom, live‑service models, and a surge in indie successes, the market appears to be consolidating.
Publishers are tightening budgets, venture capital is becoming more cautious, and the cost of producing high‑quality, cross‑platform experiences continues to climb. In such an environment, even studios with a solid track record like Schell Games can find themselves forced to make difficult staffing decisions. The impact of these layoffs extends beyond the individuals directly affected. Colleagues who remain at the studio may experience increased workloads, uncertainty about future projects, and concerns about morale.
For the broader community, the news serves as a reminder that no studio, regardless of reputation or past successes, is immune to economic headwinds. Schell Games has not yet issued an official press release addressing the situation, and *GamesIndustry.biz* has reached out for comment. Until a formal statement is released, the details remain pieced together from employee posts and secondary reporting. Nonetheless, the episode illustrates a pivotal moment for the studio and for the industry at large, highlighting the delicate balance between creative ambition and financial sustainability.
In summary, Schell Games’ first ever round of layoffs—affecting roughly fourteen staff members across engineering, marketing, art, design, and visual effects—reflects a broader trend of contraction within the gaming sector. While the studio’s leadership previously emphasized a commitment to protecting jobs, external pressures appear to have necessitated a shift in strategy.
The affected employees have expressed both disappointment and pride in their contributions, and the remaining team faces the challenge of navigating a changing market while preserving the studio’s creative vision.