Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of the hit social deduction game Among Us and for producing the critically acclaimed I Expect You To Die series, has reportedly begun a round of layoffs affecting several of its employees. The news broke after Game Developer magazine cited a series of LinkedIn updates posted by staff members at the studio.
These posts, which started appearing on Friday, detailed the onset of the reductions and gave a glimpse into the personal reactions of those still on the roster. One of the most prominent messages came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who shared that Schell Games had carried out its first ever layoff on that day.
The manager made it clear that they themselves were not among those let go, writing, "Schell Games had their first ever layoffs today," followed by a note that the cuts were not a reflection of individual performance. "This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do.
Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging," the manager explained, emphasizing that the broader market conditions were the driving force. The marketing department also confirmed the impact.
Dwayne Waite Jr., the company’s marketing director, posted a brief acknowledgment that members of the marketing team were among those affected. He went on to name four colleagues whose positions were eliminated, underscoring the human side of the corporate decision. In a separate LinkedIn update, the senior public‑relations manager listed additional names from the art, design, and visual‑effects divisions, indicating that the cuts spanned multiple disciplines within the studio.
Based on the aggregation of these posts, industry observers estimate that roughly fourteen employees have been impacted by the layoffs. This figure is notable given Schell Games’ own LinkedIn profile, which lists the studio’s headcount as ranging between 51 and 200 staff members. Even at the lower end of that spectrum, a reduction of fourteen people represents a significant percentage of the workforce. The public‑relations manager, who chose to remain anonymous for privacy reasons, expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride in a heartfelt comment.
"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 personal loss felt by the departing staff and the gratitude for the collaborative experiences that defined their tenure.
These layoffs arrive at a time when Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, has publicly maintained a strong stance against job cuts. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated 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 comments highlighted a commitment to preserving staff even when a project fails to generate revenue, suggesting that the studio would rather absorb financial losses than let employees go.
The recent layoffs, however, appear to contradict that earlier pledge, prompting questions about the underlying pressures that forced the studio’s hand. The video‑game industry as a whole has been experiencing a turbulent period over the past several years. Market saturation, rising development costs, shifting consumer preferences, and the lingering effects of the global pandemic have all contributed to a climate where many studios are tightening budgets and re‑evaluating staffing levels.
Analysts have described the current environment as a "hemorrhaging" of talent and resources, a phrase echoed in the LinkedIn posts from Schell Games employees. For Schell Games specifically, the financial strain may be linked to the performance of its recent releases. While the I Expect You To Die series has enjoyed a dedicated fan base and steady sales, the development of a 3D version of Among Us—a title originally designed for mobile and 2‑D platforms—required significant investment in new technology, art assets, and cross‑platform compatibility.
The ambitious scope of that project, combined with the competitive nature of the multiplayer market, could have placed additional pressure on the studio’s cash flow. Moreover, the broader trend of consolidation within the gaming sector has led many independent studios to seek external funding or acquisition opportunities.
Those that fail to secure stable financing often resort to workforce reductions as a cost‑saving measure. It is plausible that Schell Games, despite its strong brand and portfolio, found itself needing to align its headcount with the realities of its current revenue streams.
In response to the layoffs, GamesIndustry.biz reached out to Schell Games for an official comment. As of the time of writing, the studio has not provided a formal statement beyond the employee‑generated posts on social media. This silence leaves room for speculation about the internal decision‑making process and whether the company plans to restructure further or pursue new partnerships to stabilize its finances.
The situation at Schell Games serves as a microcosm of the challenges facing mid‑size developers in today’s market. Balancing creative ambition with fiscal responsibility is a delicate act, and even studios that champion employee welfare can find themselves forced to make difficult choices when external conditions deteriorate. For the employees who have been let go, the transition will likely involve navigating severance packages, updating resumes, and seeking new opportunities within an industry that, while still vibrant, is increasingly competitive.
Many of those affected have expressed optimism about applying the skills they honed at Schell Games—ranging from immersive storytelling to cutting‑edge 3D design—to future projects, whether at other studios or in freelance capacities. In summary, Schell Games’ recent layoff announcement reflects both the specific pressures on the studio and the broader economic headwinds confronting the gaming sector.
While the company’s leadership previously emphasized a philosophy of protecting jobs at all costs, the reality of a "hemorrhaging" industry appears to have necessitated a departure from that ideal. The full impact of these reductions will unfold over the coming months as the studio adjusts its operations and as former employees chart new career paths.