Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of the hit party game Among Us and for producing the critically acclaimed I Expect You To Die series, has reportedly begun a round of layoffs affecting several members of its staff. The news surfaced after a series of LinkedIn updates from employees at the company indicated that the downsizing started on Friday of last week. One of the first posts came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who shared that Schell Games experienced its inaugural layoff event on that day.
While the manager clarified that they themselves were not among those let go, they emphasized that the reductions were not tied to any individual performance issues. "This isn’t a result of anything you did or didn’t do. Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging," the manager wrote, underscoring the broader economic pressures that have been hitting the gaming sector. The marketing division also felt the impact.
Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, confirmed that members of the marketing team were part of the cut and went on to name four colleagues who were directly affected. In addition, the senior public relations manager at Schell Games posted further details, listing several employees from the art, design, and visual effects departments who were also losing their positions. Compiling the information from these public posts suggests that roughly fourteen individuals have been impacted by the layoffs.
This figure is notable given that Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists the company’s headcount as ranging between 51 and 200 employees, indicating that the cuts represent a meaningful percentage of the workforce. One of the affected employees, the senior public relations manager, expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride in a heartfelt message. "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." The sentiment reflects both the personal toll of the layoffs and the lasting sense of achievement many staff members feel after contributing to Schell Games’ portfolio of innovative titles. The layoffs are especially striking because they appear to contradict the public stance previously taken by the studio’s founder and CEO, Jesse Schell. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separated financial risk from the risk to employees’ jobs. 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 protecting staff even during periods of financial uncertainty, a stance that resonated with many in the industry who have seen layoffs become commonplace as studios grapple with rising development costs, shifting consumer preferences, and the volatility of the market. The recent cuts at Schell Games therefore raise questions about whether the company’s financial situation has deteriorated beyond what was anticipated, or if external pressures—such as reduced publisher funding, increased competition, or broader economic downturns—have forced a reevaluation of its staffing model.
The gaming industry at large has been experiencing a wave of contraction over the past few years. From large publishers to indie studios, many have announced workforce reductions as they contend with rising development budgets, the need for longer post‑launch support, and the challenges of monetization in a crowded marketplace.
In addition, macro‑economic factors such as inflation, supply‑chain disruptions, and shifting investor sentiment have compounded the difficulty of maintaining stable employment levels. For Schell Games, a studio that has built a reputation for blending immersive physical experiences with digital gameplay—exemplified by titles that encourage players to solve puzzles in real‑world settings—the layoffs could have implications for ongoing projects and future product pipelines. The company’s portfolio includes not only the I Expect You To Die series, which has garnered a loyal fan base for its spy‑themed escape‑room mechanics, but also collaborations with educational partners and corporate clients that rely on custom interactive experiences. Industry observers note that while layoffs are often a sign of financial strain, they can also be a strategic move to streamline operations, focus on core competencies, or reallocate resources toward high‑potential initiatives.
It remains to be seen whether Schell Games will pivot toward new business models, such as subscription‑based services, licensing deals, or expanded partnerships with hardware manufacturers, to stabilize revenue streams. GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment on the situation, but as of now no response has been published.
The lack of a direct statement leaves room for speculation, but the public remarks from affected employees provide a candid glimpse into the human side of the cutbacks. In summary, Schell Games—once a beacon of job security in an industry known for its volatility—has entered a period of uncertainty marked by its first-ever layoffs. Approximately fourteen staff members across engineering, marketing, art, design, and visual effects have been let go, reflecting broader industry challenges and perhaps internal financial pressures that conflict with the company’s previously stated commitment to safeguarding employment. The episode underscores the fragile balance studios must maintain between creative ambition, fiscal responsibility, and the well‑being of their teams as the gaming landscape continues to evolve.