Schell Games, the development 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 begun a wave of employee layoffs. The news emerged after a series of LinkedIn updates from current and former staff members detailed the cuts, which appear to have started on the Friday preceding the reports. The first public indication came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who posted that Schell Games was undergoing its inaugural round of layoffs.
The manager emphasized that the decision was not a reflection of personal performance, stating, "This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do. Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging." This stark phrasing underscores the broader financial pressures affecting the video‑game sector, where many companies are grappling with reduced revenue streams, shifting consumer habits, and the lingering effects of economic uncertainty. Further confirmation arrived from Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, who disclosed that the marketing department was among those impacted.
He identified four individuals who were let go, adding a personal touch to the otherwise impersonal nature of corporate downsizing. In addition, the senior public relations manager at Schell Games shared a list of colleagues from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams who were also affected.
When the names were compiled, the total number of employees facing termination rose to roughly fourteen. Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists the company’s headcount as ranging between 51 and 200 employees, suggesting that the layoffs represent a noticeable proportion of the workforce. One of the affected public‑relations staff 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." This sentiment captures the bittersweet reality of leaving a creative environment where personal and professional growth are often intertwined. The timing of the layoffs is particularly striking given the public stance of Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, who has historically positioned the studio as a company that prioritizes employee security. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from staff 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 suggest a commitment to absorbing financial setbacks internally rather than passing them onto employees through layoffs or salary reductions. However, the current wave of cuts indicates that external market forces may have overwhelmed even the most carefully crafted internal safeguards.
The broader industry context provides additional insight: the gaming sector has been experiencing a contraction, with several high‑profile studios announcing similar workforce reductions in recent months. Factors such as rising development costs, increased competition from both traditional publishers and emerging indie titles, and a cautious consumer base have all contributed to a tightening of budgets. Industry analysts point out that the pandemic‑driven boom in gaming, which saw unprecedented spikes in player engagement and revenue, has largely subsided.
As a result, many companies are now reassessing their financial models and scaling back operations to align with more sustainable growth trajectories. For studios like Schell Games, which balance original intellectual property development with contract work for external clients, the volatility can be especially pronounced. The layoffs also raise questions about the future direction of Schell Games’ projects. The studio has built a reputation for innovative, narrative‑driven experiences that blend physical interaction with digital gameplay, a niche that has attracted both critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Maintaining that level of creative output with a reduced team will likely require strategic prioritization, potential outsourcing, or a shift toward smaller‑scale projects that demand fewer resources. While GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for comment on the recent layoffs, no official response has been published at the time of writing. The lack of a direct statement from the company leaves room for speculation about whether the cuts are a short‑term measure to stabilize finances or part of a broader restructuring plan aimed at repositioning the studio for future market conditions. In the meantime, the affected employees are navigating a transition that is both professional and emotional.
Many have expressed gratitude for the collaborative environment they experienced at Schell Games and remain hopeful about new opportunities within the industry. Their reflections highlight a common theme in the gaming community: despite the challenges posed by market fluctuations, the creative bonds formed during development often endure beyond the lifespan of any single project or employer.
Overall, the situation at Schell Games serves as a microcosm of the larger challenges confronting the video‑game industry today. It underscores the delicate balance between artistic ambition, financial viability, and employee welfare—a balance that studios must constantly renegotiate as market dynamics evolve. As the industry continues to adapt, the experiences of both the company and its departing staff will likely inform future discussions about sustainable growth, talent retention, and the ethical responsibilities of game developers in an increasingly unpredictable economic landscape.