Schell Games, the development studio best known for collaborating on the three‑dimensional version of the viral hit Among Us and for creating the critically acclaimed I Expect You to Die series, has reportedly initiated a round of layoffs. The news first surfaced in a piece published by Game Developer, which highlighted a series of LinkedIn updates posted by employees at the company, indicating that the reductions began early last week, specifically on Friday. One of the first public acknowledgments came from the studio’s principal engineering manager.
In a brief but candid post, the manager wrote, “Schell Games experienced its inaugural layoff event today.” The manager clarified that they themselves were not among those whose positions were terminated. The post went on to emphasize that the decision was not tied to any personal performance issues.
“This isn’t a result of anything you did or didn’t do. Our industry—and the broader entertainment landscape—are hemorrhaging right now,” the manager explained, underscoring the systemic pressures affecting many game developers. Further confirmation arrived from Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, who disclosed that the cuts extended into the marketing department. Waite identified four colleagues who were directly impacted, providing names and expressing gratitude for their contributions.
In addition, the senior public relations manager at Schell Games shared a more extensive list of affected staff, naming individuals from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams. By aggregating the information from these various posts, observers estimate that roughly fourteen employees have been let go in total. The studio’s LinkedIn profile lists its workforce as ranging between 51 and 200 employees, which suggests that the layoffs represent a noticeable, though not catastrophic, percentage of the overall headcount.
One of the affected employees, the senior public relations manager, posted a reflective message that captured both disappointment and pride. “I won’t pretend this isn’t a disappointing way to close this chapter, especially after nearly six years,” they wrote.
“Nevertheless, I walk away proud of what I achieved while at Schell Games, and I’m deeply grateful for the teammates I had the privilege to build with.” The timing of these layoffs is particularly striking given the public stance that the company’s founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, has taken on the subject 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 asserted, “At the core of our approach is a commitment not to jeopardize jobs.” According to Schell, the studio is willing to invest capital and accept monetary loss when developing a new title, but it strives to avoid putting its staff in a position where their employment is uncertain.
He added, “Even if our own intellectual property generates no revenue, we have not placed any jobs at risk. We retain a viable path forward that allows us to keep our people on board.
In many respects, it is a deliberate choice.” The apparent contradiction between Schell’s stated policy and the recent layoffs has drawn attention from industry observers. While the company’s leadership has not yet issued an official comment in response to the Game Developer report, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out for a statement, indicating that the situation is still unfolding.
To understand the broader context, it is helpful to consider the current state of the video‑game sector. Over the past several years, the industry has experienced a series of economic headwinds, including rising development costs, shifting consumer preferences, and heightened competition from both established publishers and emerging indie studios. Additionally, macro‑economic factors such as inflation, supply‑chain disruptions, and fluctuating investor confidence have contributed to a more cautious funding environment. These pressures have manifested in a wave of layoffs across numerous studios, ranging from large multinational publishers to smaller boutique developers.
For Schell Games, which has built a reputation for innovative, narrative‑driven experiences and educational titles, the decision to reduce staff likely reflects a combination of internal financial assessments and external market realities. The company’s portfolio, while critically praised, occupies a niche segment that may not generate the same volume of revenue as mainstream blockbuster franchises.
Consequently, even modest shortfalls in projected earnings can compel management to take cost‑saving measures. From the perspective of the employees who were let go, the impact is both personal and professional. Many of the individuals mentioned in the LinkedIn posts have been with the studio for several years, contributing to the creative and technical foundation of its products.
Their departure not only disrupts their own career trajectories but also removes seasoned talent from the organization, potentially affecting ongoing projects and future development pipelines. In the wake of the layoffs, the remaining staff are likely to face a period of adjustment. Teams may need to redistribute responsibilities, prioritize critical milestones, and adapt to a leaner operational structure. Leadership will have to communicate transparently about the company’s strategic direction, ensuring that morale remains intact and that the remaining workforce feels secure and motivated.
Looking ahead, Schell Games may explore several avenues to stabilize its financial position. These could include seeking additional publishing partnerships, expanding into new platforms such as virtual reality or augmented reality, or leveraging its expertise in educational gaming to secure contracts with schools and institutions. Diversifying revenue streams could help mitigate future risks and align with Jesse Schell’s earlier assertions about protecting jobs through prudent financial planning.
In summary, Schell Games has announced its first round of staff reductions, affecting an estimated fourteen employees across engineering, marketing, art, design, and visual‑effects departments. The layoffs occur amid a broader industry downturn and appear to contrast with the CEO’s previously expressed commitment to safeguarding employment.
While the company has not yet provided an official response, the situation underscores the challenges that even well‑regarded studios face in a volatile market. As the industry continues to navigate economic uncertainty, the experiences of Schell Games serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between creative ambition, fiscal responsibility, and the wellbeing of the people who bring games to life.