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* series, has recently confirmed that it is cutting staff members. The news surfaced after a series of LinkedIn updates from current employees detailed a wave of layoffs that began on a Friday earlier this week. The first public indication came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who posted that Schell Games experienced its inaugural round of layoffs that day. The manager clarified that they themselves were not among those let go and emphasized that the reductions were not tied to any personal performance issues.
"This isn’t a result of any individual actions. Our industry (and beyond) right now is bleeding profusely," the post read, underscoring the broader market turmoil affecting many developers.
Further confirmation arrived from Dwayne Waite Jr., the company’s marketing director, who identified that the marketing department was among those impacted. He listed four colleagues who were directly affected and expressed sympathy for their situation. In addition, the senior public relations manager at Schell Games shared a more extensive roster of names, revealing that employees from the art, design, and visual effects teams were also part of the cut.
Compiling the information from the various posts, industry observers estimate that roughly fourteen employees have been laid off. This figure represents a noticeable percentage of the studio’s workforce, which according to its LinkedIn profile ranges between 51 and 200 staff members. The public relations manager, reflecting on the experience, wrote, "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 layoffs are particularly striking given the public stance taken by Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, who has long advocated against job cuts. 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. 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 suggested a commitment to preserving staff even during periods of financial uncertainty, making the recent reductions appear contradictory to his earlier statements.
The discrepancy has sparked conversation within the development community about the realistic limits of such ideals, especially as the broader gaming sector continues to feel the effects of a market contraction, rising development costs, and shifting consumer spending patterns. The current environment for video game developers is indeed challenging. Over the past year, numerous studios have announced layoffs, studio closures, or project cancellations as publishers tighten budgets and investors become more cautious. Factors such as the lingering impact of the pandemic, inflationary pressures, and the increasing cost of high‑fidelity production have contributed to a “hemorrhaging” effect across the industry.
Companies that once thrived on rapid growth and expansive hiring are now forced to reevaluate staffing levels and operational expenditures. For Schell Games, a studio that has built a reputation for innovative, narrative‑driven experiences, the decision to reduce headcount may reflect a strategic pivot.
The firm has been exploring new platforms, including virtual reality and augmented reality, which require specialized talent and often involve longer development cycles. Balancing the need to invest in cutting‑edge technology with the imperative to maintain a sustainable payroll can create tension, especially when revenue streams are unpredictable.
Industry analysts suggest that Schell Games may be looking to streamline its core teams while preserving the creative talent essential for its flagship titles. By trimming peripheral roles or consolidating functions, the studio could aim to protect its most valuable assets—its designers, programmers, and storytellers—while still achieving cost savings. This approach aligns with a broader trend where studios retain a lean core and rely on external partners or contractors for supplemental work.
The human side of the layoffs cannot be overlooked. Employees who were let go expressed a mixture of disappointment and gratitude in their posts, highlighting the camaraderie and sense of purpose they felt while working at Schell Games. Many noted the supportive culture fostered by Jesse Schell and the leadership team, describing the studio as a place where creativity was encouraged and professional growth was nurtured.
The abrupt nature of the cuts, however, underscores the volatility that even well‑regarded studios can face. In response to inquiries, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for comment, seeking clarification on the decision‑making process and how the studio plans to navigate the current market challenges moving forward.
No official statement has been released at the time of writing, leaving the community to speculate on the long‑term implications for the studio’s upcoming projects and its overall stability. Overall, the situation at Schell Games serves as a microcosm of the broader pressures confronting the video game industry today. While the company’s leadership has historically championed job security, the economic realities of a rapidly evolving market have forced a reconsideration of those ideals.
As developers, investors, and gamers watch closely, the hope remains that Schell Games will emerge from this period of contraction with its creative vision intact, continuing to deliver the inventive experiences that have defined its brand. The episode also raises important questions about how studios can balance financial prudence with a commitment to their workforce. It highlights the need for transparent communication, thoughtful restructuring strategies, and perhaps a reimagining of employment models that can better withstand market fluctuations.
For now, the affected employees are moving on to new opportunities, carrying with them the skills and experiences honed at a studio known for pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling.