Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of the wildly popular party game Among Us and for the critically acclaimed I Expect You to Die series, has recently confirmed that it is cutting staff positions. The news emerged after several employees posted about the layoffs on LinkedIn, and a report from Game Developer compiled those public statements into a coherent picture of what transpired.
The first indication that something was amiss came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who posted early on Friday that Schell Games was undergoing its inaugural round of layoffs. The manager clarified that they themselves were not among those being let go, and they added a note of empathy for their colleagues: "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 broader trend affecting many game development firms, where market volatility, rising production costs, and shifting consumer preferences have created a precarious financial environment. Further confirmation arrived from Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, who used his own LinkedIn update to acknowledge that the marketing department was directly impacted.
He listed four individuals whose positions were eliminated, providing a human face to the otherwise abstract numbers. In addition, the senior public‑relations manager at Schell Games shared a separate post that identified several more colleagues from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams who were also affected.
When the various posts are combined, the consensus is that roughly fourteen employees have been laid off in this initial wave. The company’s LinkedIn profile lists its headcount as falling somewhere between 51 and 200 employees, which suggests that the fourteen departures represent a noticeable percentage of the workforce, especially for a studio of its size.
One of the impacted public‑relations staff members 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. 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 reflects the deep personal connections that often develop in smaller, collaborative development environments. The layoffs are particularly striking given the public stance taken by Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, who has long positioned the studio as a champion of job security. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from the risk to employees’ livelihoods.
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 that the studio would rather absorb financial losses than lay off staff, a principle that resonated with many industry observers who view Schell Games as an outlier in an environment where downsizing is common.
However, the recent cuts indicate that even companies with strong ethical commitments can be forced to make difficult decisions when external pressures mount. Factors such as the lingering effects of the post‑pandemic market correction, increased competition from larger publishers, and the rising costs associated with high‑quality virtual‑reality and mixed‑reality projects likely contributed to the current situation.
Industry analysts note that the broader gaming sector has been experiencing a “hemorrhaging” phase, as described by the engineering manager’s comment. Revenue streams have become more unpredictable, with subscription models, live‑service games, and microtransactions reshaping how studios generate income. Smaller studios, which often lack the diversified portfolios of larger publishers, feel these swings more acutely.
In addition, rising wages for specialized talent—such as 3D artists, narrative designers, and VFX specialists—have squeezed profit margins, making it harder to sustain large teams without a steady pipeline of successful releases. The impact of the layoffs extends beyond the individuals directly affected. Remaining employees may experience increased workloads, a shift in team dynamics, and a heightened sense of uncertainty about future stability. Morale can suffer, and the studio’s ability to attract new talent may be compromised if prospective hires perceive the company as being in a precarious position.
On the other hand, Schell Games’ reputation for innovative design and its portfolio of award‑winning titles could help it rebound once market conditions improve. Schell Games has not issued an official press release addressing the cuts, and GamesIndustry.biz reports that they have reached out to the studio for comment but have yet to receive a response. The lack of an immediate corporate statement leaves room for speculation about the strategic direction the studio will pursue moving forward. Some observers suggest that the company may be reallocating resources toward its most promising projects, possibly focusing on new IP development or expanding its existing franchises in the VR space.
In summary, Schell Games, a studio celebrated for its creative contributions to the gaming world, has entered a challenging period marked by its first round of layoffs. While the decision contradicts the CEO’s previously articulated commitment to preserving jobs, it reflects the harsh reality of an industry undergoing rapid transformation and financial strain. The fourteen individuals who were let go represent a tangible loss for the studio, yet their former colleagues have expressed gratitude for the shared achievements and optimism for future endeavors. As the broader market continues to evolve, Schell Games will need to balance its innovative ambitions with the fiscal realities that have forced this difficult course of action.