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 reportedly been forced to reduce its workforce. The news emerged after several employees posted about the cuts on LinkedIn, prompting coverage from industry outlet Game Developer.
The first public indication of the layoffs came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote that the company had conducted its "first ever layoffs" on a Friday. The manager emphasized that the decision was not a reflection of individual performance, stating, "This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do. Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging." The wording underscores a broader trend of financial strain across the gaming sector, where many mid‑size developers are grappling with reduced revenue streams, rising production costs, and shifting consumer habits. Marketing director Dwayne Waite Jr.
also weighed in, confirming that the reductions affected members of the marketing department. He went on to name four specific employees who were let go, providing a human face to the otherwise abstract numbers. In addition, the senior public relations manager shared further details, listing colleagues from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams who were impacted.
When the information was compiled, it appeared that roughly fourteen staff members were directly affected by the cuts. The company's LinkedIn page lists its headcount as ranging between 51 and 200 employees, which suggests that the layoffs represent a modest but still significant percentage of the overall workforce. The public relations manager, who also posted a farewell note, expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride: "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 captures the bittersweet reality many long‑tenured developers feel when a studio they helped shape must downsize. The timing of these layoffs is especially notable given the public stance taken by Schell Games’ founder and CEO, Jesse Schell, on the subject of job security. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from employee risk. 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 remarks were intended to reassure both staff and the broader community that the studio would prioritize stability over short‑term profit pressures.
However, the recent cuts demonstrate how external market forces can sometimes override even the most well‑intentioned internal policies. The gaming industry, in particular, has faced a series of challenges over the past few years: the rise of live‑service models demanding continuous content updates, heightened competition from larger publishers, and a lingering post‑pandemic slowdown that has left many developers scrambling to secure funding and maintain cash flow.
Analysts point out that while larger studios can often absorb a dip in revenue through diversified portfolios or deep cash reserves, mid‑size companies like Schell Games operate with tighter margins. A single underperforming title, delays in project timelines, or unexpected shifts in platform policy can quickly erode profitability. In this context, the decision to lay off staff, though contrary to the CEO’s earlier statements, may be viewed as a pragmatic response to preserve the core of the business and avoid more drastic measures such as studio closure. The broader industry reaction has been one of empathy and concern.
Many observers note that Schell Games has built a reputation for innovative, narrative‑driven experiences that blend physical interaction with digital gameplay. Their work on *I Expect You to Die*—a virtual reality escape‑room series—has been praised for its clever puzzles and immersive storytelling.
The studio’s involvement in the *Among Us* 3D project further cemented its status as a versatile developer capable of adapting popular IPs into new formats. Colleagues from other studios have publicly offered support, highlighting a growing sense of solidarity among developers facing similar pressures.
Some have suggested that the talent displaced by Schell Games could find opportunities in emerging areas such as augmented reality, educational technology, or independent game publishing, where the demand for creative expertise remains strong. Looking ahead, Schell Games has not released an official statement beyond the employee posts, and GamesIndustry.biz has reached out for comment. The lack of a formal corporate response leaves many questions unanswered: How will the studio restructure its remaining teams? Will there be a shift in project focus or a scaling back of upcoming releases?
And most importantly, how will the company reconcile its earlier commitment to job security with the reality of a tightening market? For now, the affected employees are navigating the transition, drawing on the experience and networks they built during their tenure. The situation serves as a reminder that even well‑established studios are not immune to economic headwinds, and that the health of the gaming ecosystem depends on a balance between creative ambition and sustainable business practices. As the industry continues to evolve, the hope is that studios like Schell Games can emerge from this period of contraction with a renewed focus on delivering engaging experiences while safeguarding the livelihoods of the talent that makes those experiences possible.