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 initiated a round of layoffs that has sent ripples through its community of developers and fans alike. The news first surfaced in a piece published by Game Developer, which highlighted a series of LinkedIn updates posted by several employees who disclosed that the cuts began on a Friday earlier this week. One of the most striking messages came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote, "Schell Games had their first ever layoffs today," noting with relief that they themselves were not among those let go. The manager went on to explain the broader context, stating, "This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do.
Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging." The phrasing underscores a sentiment that the reductions are not a reflection of individual performance but rather a symptom of a wider economic downturn affecting the gaming sector and related creative fields. Further confirmation arrived from Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, who acknowledged that the marketing department was among those impacted. He listed four specific colleagues whose positions were eliminated, providing a human face to the otherwise abstract numbers.
Adding to the picture, the senior public relations manager at Schell Games shared additional names from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams, illustrating that the cuts spanned multiple disciplines within the company. Compiling the information from these posts, industry observers estimate that roughly fourteen employees have been affected in total. This figure is noteworthy when placed against the company’s self‑reported headcount on LinkedIn, which places Schell Games in the 51‑to‑200 employee bracket.
Whether the layoffs represent a small percentage of the workforce or a more significant proportion, the impact on the individuals involved is undeniably profound. One of the departing staff members, the senior public relations manager, expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride in a heartfelt note.
"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." This sentiment captures the bittersweet nature of leaving a workplace that has been a central part of one's professional identity, while also acknowledging the broader forces at play.
The layoffs are particularly striking given the public stance of Schell Games’ founder and CEO, Jesse Schell, who has long positioned the studio as a company that protects its employees from financial turbulence. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from the risk to staff. 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 further elaborated that even if the studio’s own intellectual property generated no revenue, the company would still strive to keep its workforce intact, emphasizing a commitment to stability: "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 this declared policy and the recent layoffs raises questions about the pressures the studio now faces. While Schell Games has not yet issued an official comment in response to the report, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out for clarification, and the industry awaits a statement that could shed light on the specific factors—be they market contraction, funding shortfalls, or project delays—that compelled the company to deviate from its previously stated ethos.
The broader gaming landscape provides context for why even studios with strong reputations are vulnerable. The sector has been grappling with a series of challenges, including rising development costs, shifting consumer preferences toward live‑service models, and macro‑economic headwinds that have caused investors to tighten their purse strings.
These forces have led to a wave of consolidations and workforce reductions across both indie and AAA publishers, creating an environment where even well‑established developers must reassess staffing levels to remain financially viable. For the employees who remain at Schell Games, the future may involve a period of uncertainty as the studio recalibrates its project pipeline and seeks new revenue streams. The company’s portfolio, which blends immersive experiences, educational titles, and narrative‑driven games, could offer avenues for diversification, but each new venture carries its own set of risks. Meanwhile, the departing staff members will likely carry forward the skills and experience gained at Schell Games into new roles within the industry.
Their public statements suggest a deep appreciation for the collaborative culture they helped build, which may serve as a valuable network as they transition to new opportunities. In summary, Schell Games’ first ever layoffs reflect a confluence of industry‑wide financial strain and perhaps internal strategic shifts that have forced the studio to make difficult personnel decisions. While the move appears at odds with the company’s previously articulated commitment to safeguarding jobs, it also underscores the harsh reality that even firms with strong ethical postures must sometimes confront economic imperatives.
The situation remains fluid, and stakeholders—including remaining employees, former staff, and the broader gaming community—will be watching closely for any further updates from Jesse Schell and his leadership team.