Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of the hit party game Among Us and for developing the critically acclaimed I Expect You to Die series, has reportedly been forced to trim its workforce. The news emerged after a series of LinkedIn updates from current and former employees began circulating early last week, indicating that the layoffs started on Friday. According to coverage from Game Developer, several staff members posted about the situation, confirming that the cuts were real and affecting multiple departments within the company. One of the most prominent messages came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote, "Schell Games experienced its first-ever layoffs today." The manager emphasized that they themselves were not among those let go, and they added a broader perspective on the industry’s condition: "This isn’t a result of any individual’s actions.
Our industry (and beyond) right now is bleeding profusely." The impact of the reductions was further detailed by Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director. Waite confirmed that the marketing team was among those hit and went on to name four colleagues who were directly affected.
In addition, the senior public relations manager for Schell Games shared a longer list of names, highlighting that the layoffs also reached the art, design, and visual‑effects divisions. When the information was compiled, it appeared that roughly fourteen employees had been let go across the organization.
Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists the company’s size as ranging from 51 to 200 employees, which suggests that the fourteen departures represent a noticeable, though not catastrophic, percentage of the overall staff. One of the affected public‑relations team members reflected on the experience, writing, "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." The timing of these layoffs is striking because the company’s founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, has publicly maintained a strong stance against cutting jobs. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell explained his philosophy regarding financial risk and employee security. He said, "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." Schell elaborated further, noting that even if a proprietary title generated no revenue, the studio would still avoid endangering its workforce: "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 recent cuts therefore appear to contradict the CEO’s previously stated policy, prompting speculation about the underlying factors that may have forced the studio’s hand. Industry analysts point to a broader trend of financial strain across the video‑game sector, where rising development costs, shifting consumer preferences, and the lingering effects of a post‑pandemic market correction have left many mid‑size developers scrambling to stay afloat.
In recent months, several other studios have announced similar reductions, citing everything from delayed releases to underperforming titles. The phrase "industry is hemorrhaging" that appeared in the engineering manager’s post resonates with a growing chorus of developers who describe a climate of uncertainty, where even well‑established companies are feeling the pressure to cut overhead. For Schell Games, the situation is further complicated by its mixed portfolio of original IP and licensed projects. While the I Expect You to Die series has enjoyed a loyal fan base and steady sales, the development of an Among Us 3D adaptation likely involved significant investment in new technology and design resources.
If the projected returns from that project have not yet materialized, the studio may have found itself needing to reallocate funds to keep the business solvent. The company’s leadership has not yet issued an official statement beyond the individual LinkedIn posts, and GamesIndustry.biz has reached out for comment. Observers are waiting to see whether Jesse Schell will address the apparent discrepancy between his earlier assurances and the current reality, and whether any additional measures—such as restructuring, new funding rounds, or strategic partnerships—might be pursued to stabilize the studio’s finances.
In the meantime, the affected employees are navigating the transition in a market that, while competitive, still offers opportunities for seasoned developers. Many have indicated plans to leverage their experience at Schell Games to seek roles at other indie studios, larger publishers, or even in adjacent fields such as virtual‑reality training and educational technology, where their skill sets remain highly valuable. Overall, the layoffs at Schell Games underscore a broader narrative affecting the gaming industry: even companies that have championed employee security and maintained a reputation for innovative, high‑quality experiences are not immune to the economic headwinds that are currently reshaping the sector.
The coming weeks will likely reveal how the studio adapts to these challenges and whether it can uphold its founding principles while navigating an increasingly volatile market.