Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of the viral hit Among Us and for developing the critically acclaimed I Expect You To Die series, has recently confirmed that it is cutting staff positions. The news emerged after a series of LinkedIn updates from current employees revealed that the layoff process began on Friday of the previous week.
Game Developer magazine cited these posts, noting that several team members publicly shared their experiences of the sudden reduction. One of the most prominent messages came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who posted, "Schell Games experienced its first-ever layoffs today." The manager clarified that they themselves were not among those let go, emphasizing that the decision was not tied to any personal performance issues.
The manager added a broader perspective, stating, "This isn’t a result of any individual’s actions. Our sector is currently bleeding profusely, and the impact extends beyond just gaming." This comment underscores the widespread financial strain affecting not only the video‑game industry but also related creative fields. Further confirmation came from Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, who disclosed that the marketing department was among those impacted. He went on to name four colleagues who were directly affected by the cuts.
In addition, the senior public‑relations manager at Schell Games posted a separate update that listed several employees from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams who were also losing their positions. Compiling the information from these various announcements, industry observers estimate that roughly fourteen individuals have been impacted by the layoffs. This figure is notable when compared to the company’s own LinkedIn profile, which lists its workforce size as ranging between 51 and 200 employees. If the higher end of that range is accurate, the reductions represent a modest but still significant percentage of the overall staff.
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." This sentiment captures both the emotional toll of job loss and the lasting appreciation for collaborative achievements. The layoffs are especially striking given the public stance of Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, who has long advocated against cutting jobs.
In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from personnel risk. He explained that while the studio might gamble with cash when developing a new title, it deliberately avoids placing its employees in jeopardy. Schell 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. Even if our own intellectual property generates zero revenue, we still haven’t jeopardized any positions – we still have a path forward that allows us to keep people on board. In many ways, it’s a choice we make consciously." Despite those assurances, the recent reductions suggest that external market pressures have become too severe to ignore.
The broader gaming industry has been experiencing a downturn, with many publishers reporting lower-than-expected sales, delayed releases, and a contraction in consumer spending. This environment has forced even well‑established studios to reevaluate budgets, staffing levels, and project scopes.
Analysts point out that the current climate is marked by a combination of rising development costs, increased competition from both established franchises and indie titles, and shifting consumer preferences toward live‑service models and streaming platforms. All of these factors contribute to a “hemorrhaging” effect, as described by the engineering manager, where revenue streams struggle to keep pace with operational expenses.
For Schell Games, which has traditionally focused on immersive experiences and educational games, the challenge is twofold: maintaining the quality and innovation that define its brand while navigating a tighter financial landscape. The company’s portfolio includes not only the popular Among Us 3D adaptation but also a suite of virtual‑reality experiences that have garnered awards for creativity and user engagement. These projects often require specialized talent in areas such as motion capture, 3D modeling, and narrative design—roles that are costly to sustain during periods of reduced income. The decision to lay off staff, therefore, can be seen as a strategic move to preserve the studio’s long‑term viability.
By trimming its workforce, Schell Games may aim to reduce overhead, streamline development pipelines, and focus resources on its most promising projects. This approach aligns with industry best practices during downturns, where companies prioritize core competencies and defer less critical initiatives. Nevertheless, the human impact remains significant. The affected employees, many of whom have contributed to the studio’s most iconic titles, now face the uncertainty of job hunting in a market that is itself contracting.
Career transition services, severance packages, and networking opportunities become crucial support mechanisms in such scenarios. The public‑relations manager’s concluding remarks reflect a broader sentiment shared by many in the gaming community: a blend of sorrow for the immediate loss and optimism for future endeavors. "I’m grateful for the people I got to build with," they wrote, highlighting the strong collaborative bonds that often define game development teams.
As of now, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment on the layoffs and on how the studio plans to move forward. The industry will be watching closely to see whether the company can uphold Jesse Schell’s professed commitment to protecting jobs, or if further adjustments will be necessary as the market continues to evolve. In summary, Schell Games’ recent staff reductions illustrate the broader challenges confronting the gaming sector—a mix of financial strain, shifting consumer habits, and the relentless push for innovation. While the layoffs mark a difficult moment for the individuals directly involved, they also underscore the studio’s attempt to adapt and survive in an increasingly competitive environment.