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 recently confirmed that it is cutting staff members. The news emerged after a series of LinkedIn updates from employees at the studio began appearing, indicating that the layoffs started on the Friday preceding the reports. Game Developer magazine cited these LinkedIn posts as the primary source of information.
One of the most striking messages came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who posted that Schell Games was experiencing its first ever round of layoffs. The manager made it clear that they themselves were not among those being let go, and they added a broader perspective on the situation: "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 detailed by Dwayne Waite Jr., the company’s marketing director. Waite confirmed that the marketing department was directly affected and went on to name four individuals who were part of the reduction. In addition, the senior public relations manager at Schell Games shared a longer list of names, covering employees from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams.
When the information from these posts is aggregated, it appears that roughly fourteen people have been impacted by the layoffs. Schell Games’ LinkedIn company page lists its workforce size as ranging between 51 and 200 employees, which suggests that the fourteen departures represent a noticeable, though not catastrophic, percentage of the overall staff. 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. 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." These developments are particularly striking given the public stance that Schell Games’ 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 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 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 suggested a firm commitment to protecting staff even during periods of financial uncertainty.
The recent layoffs, however, appear to contradict that earlier promise, prompting industry observers to wonder whether external pressures—such as a broader downturn in the video‑game market, rising development costs, or shifting consumer preferences—have forced the studio to reconsider its approach. The broader context of the gaming industry should also be taken into account.
Over the past year, numerous publishers and developers have announced workforce reductions as a result of declining revenues, supply‑chain disruptions, and the lingering effects of the global pandemic on consumer spending. The phrase "our industry is hemorrhaging" that appeared in the engineering manager’s post reflects a sentiment echoed across many studios, from indie outfits to major publishers, all grappling with a volatile market. While Schell Games has not yet issued an official press release on the matter, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out for comment. The lack of a formal statement leaves room for speculation about the company’s future direction.
Some analysts suggest that the layoffs could be a strategic move to streamline operations, focusing resources on upcoming projects that promise higher returns, such as new entries in the *I Expect You To Die* franchise or further expansions of the *Among Us* 3D experience. Other possibilities include a pivot toward service‑based revenue models, like live‑ops or subscription content, which have become increasingly popular as studios seek more predictable income streams. If Schell Games is indeed shifting its business model, the reduction in staff might be aimed at reallocating talent toward areas that align with those new priorities. Regardless of the underlying reasons, the human impact of the layoffs is evident.
The employees who were let go have expressed a range of emotions, from gratitude for the opportunities they received to concern about the uncertain job market. Their messages on LinkedIn highlight a common theme in the industry: a deep sense of community and shared purpose, even when circumstances force difficult decisions. In summary, Schell Games, a studio with a reputation for innovative gameplay and a strong portfolio of titles, has announced its first round of layoffs, affecting an estimated fourteen employees across marketing, art, design, and visual effects.
The cuts come at a time when the broader gaming sector is experiencing significant financial strain, contradicting earlier public assurances from CEO Jesse Schell about safeguarding jobs. While the company has not yet provided a formal comment, the situation underscores the challenges that even well‑established developers face in a rapidly changing market. The industry will be watching closely to see how Schell Games navigates this turbulent period and whether it can uphold its commitment to its workforce while adapting to new economic realities.