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 been forced to reduce its workforce. The news emerged after several employees posted about the layoffs on LinkedIn, confirming that the cuts began last Friday.
According to a story published by Game Developer, a number of staff members from different departments shared personal updates that painted a clear picture of the situation. The studio’s principal engineering manager was among the first to speak out, writing, "Schell Games had their first ever layoffs today," while also noting that they themselves were not part of the group being let go. The manager went on to explain that the decision was not tied to individual performance, stating, "This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do.
Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging." The impact of the cuts was further confirmed by marketing director Dwayne Waite Jr., who disclosed that the marketing team was directly affected and listed four specific employees who were losing their positions. In addition, the studio’s senior public‑relations manager added names from the art, design, and visual‑effects divisions, indicating that the reductions spanned multiple functional areas within the company.
From the information gathered on LinkedIn, it appears that roughly fourteen people have been impacted by the layoffs. This figure is notable when compared with the studio’s own LinkedIn profile, which lists its total headcount as ranging between 51 and 200 employees.
The public‑relations manager, reflecting on the experience, wrote, "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." The timing of these layoffs is particularly striking given the long‑standing public position taken by Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, who has consistently spoken out against job cuts. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell emphasized that the studio separates financial risk from the risk to its employees.
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 suggest a philosophy that prioritizes staff stability, even in the face of uncertain revenue streams.
However, the recent layoffs appear to contradict that stance, raising questions about the pressures the studio is currently facing. While the exact financial details have not been disclosed, the broader context of the video‑game industry points to a challenging environment. Over the past year, many developers have reported shrinking budgets, delayed releases, and a slowdown in consumer spending, all of which have contributed to a climate that some industry observers describe as a "hemorrhaging" of talent and resources. Industry analysts note that the current downturn is not limited to independent studios; even larger publishers have announced workforce reductions as they grapple with rising development costs, heightened competition from live‑service models, and shifting market expectations.
For a mid‑size studio like Schell Games, which operates with a relatively lean staff, the margin for error can be thin. The decision to lay off employees may therefore reflect a strategic move to preserve the company’s long‑term viability, albeit at the cost of short‑term morale and public perception.
The layoffs also underscore a broader trend of volatility within the interactive entertainment sector. As platforms evolve and new technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality gain traction, studios are often forced to re‑allocate resources to stay competitive. Schell Games, which has a history of experimenting with immersive experiences—including VR titles and narrative‑driven puzzle games—may be reassessing its project pipeline to align with market demand. In response to the situation, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for comment, seeking clarification on how the company plans to navigate the current financial pressures while maintaining its commitment to employee welfare.
As of now, no official statement beyond the employee‑shared posts has been released. The episode serves as a reminder that even studios with a strong reputation for creative innovation and a publicly articulated commitment to job security are not immune to the broader economic forces shaping the gaming landscape.
For the affected employees, the transition may be challenging, but many have expressed gratitude for the experiences and relationships built during their tenure. As the industry continues to evolve, both companies and workers will need to adapt, finding new pathways to sustain creativity and stability in an increasingly unpredictable market.