Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of the wildly popular party game Among Us and for producing the critically acclaimed I Expect You to Die series, has reportedly initiated a round of layoffs affecting several members of its staff. The information first surfaced in a piece published by Game Developer, which highlighted a series of LinkedIn updates posted by employees at the company. These updates detailed that the downsizing process began on a Friday and appeared to be the first such event in the firm’s history. One of the posts came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote, "Schell Games experienced its inaugural layoffs today," and clarified that they themselves had not been among those whose positions were terminated.
The manager added a note of reassurance, stating, "This isn’t a result of any individual’s actions. Our industry (and the broader market) is currently bleeding heavily." The announcement was corroborated by the studio’s marketing director, Dwayne Waite Jr., who confirmed that the cuts extended to the marketing department. He went on to identify four colleagues who were directly impacted.
In addition, the senior public relations manager at Schell Games shared further details, naming individuals from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams who were also part of the layoff wave. By tallying the names mentioned across the various LinkedIn posts, observers estimate that roughly fourteen employees have been let go. This figure is noteworthy when contrasted with the company’s own LinkedIn profile, which lists its workforce size as ranging between 51 and 200 employees.
The proportion of staff affected therefore represents a non‑trivial slice of the organization, especially given that Schell Games has historically positioned itself as a stable employer within the indie and mid‑size studio ecosystem. 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 layoffs are particularly striking because they run counter to the public stance taken by Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, who has long spoken out against the practice of cutting jobs as a cost‑saving measure. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from the risk to 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." Schell further emphasized that even if a self‑published intellectual property were to generate zero revenue, the studio would still avoid jeopardizing its workforce. "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," he said.
The apparent contradiction between the CEO’s stated principles and the reality of the recent staff reductions has sparked discussion among industry observers. Some analysts suggest that the broader economic environment—characterized by a slowdown in consumer spending on video games, tightening of advertising budgets, and a lingering post‑pandemic market correction—has placed unprecedented pressure on mid‑size studios. Others point to the increasing difficulty of securing external funding for projects that do not guarantee blockbuster returns, forcing even well‑managed companies to make hard decisions.
Schell Games, founded in 2002 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has built a reputation for blending immersive technology with narrative-driven gameplay. Its portfolio includes not only the aforementioned titles but also a range of educational and experiential games that have been deployed in museums, science centers, and corporate training programs. The studio’s commitment to innovative design and its collaborative culture have earned it multiple industry awards and a loyal fan base. Despite the recent setbacks, the company’s leadership has signaled an intention to continue investing in its core strengths.
In the same interview where Schell discussed his philosophy on job security, he also highlighted upcoming projects that leverage virtual reality and mixed reality platforms. He expressed confidence that these ventures could open new revenue streams and help stabilize the studio’s financial footing. The public relations manager’s final note underscored a broader sentiment shared by many departing employees: a sense of gratitude for the collaborative environment and a belief that the skills honed at Schell Games will serve them well in future endeavors.
"I’m grateful for the people I got to build with," they wrote, hinting at the strong interpersonal bonds that often develop within creative teams. GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment on the layoffs and on how the company plans to reconcile its previously stated commitment to job security with the current reality. As of now, no response has been published.
In summary, Schell Games’ first ever round of layoffs—affecting an estimated fourteen staff members across engineering, marketing, art, design, and visual effects—marks a significant moment for a studio that has long championed employee stability. While the broader industry continues to grapple with financial headwinds, the episode serves as a reminder that even companies with strong ethical stances on workforce protection may need to adapt to shifting market conditions. The long‑term impact on Schell Games’ culture, project pipeline, and reputation remains to be seen, but the dedication expressed by departing employees suggests that the studio’s legacy of creativity and collaboration will endure beyond this difficult chapter.