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. The news emerged after a series of LinkedIn updates from current and former employees began to surface, indicating that the layoffs started on a Friday earlier this week. The first public hint came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who posted that Schell Games experienced its inaugural round of layoffs that day. The manager clarified that they themselves had not been dismissed and emphasized that the reductions were not tied to any individual performance issues.
"This isn’t a result of anything you did or didn’t do. Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging," the manager wrote, underscoring the broader market pressures affecting game developers worldwide. Further confirmation arrived from Dwayne Waite Jr., Schell Games’ marketing director, who disclosed that the marketing department was among those impacted. He went on to name four specific employees who were let go.
In addition, the studio’s senior public‑relations manager shared a longer list of colleagues from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams who were also affected. By tallying the various posts, observers estimate that roughly fourteen individuals have been impacted by the cuts. This figure is notable given that Schell Games’ own LinkedIn profile lists its workforce size as ranging between 51 and 200 employees, suggesting that the layoffs represent a meaningful percentage of the company’s total staff.
One of the affected public‑relations staff members posted a reflective message that captured both disappointment and pride. "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 sentiment highlights the emotional toll such reductions can have on long‑standing team members, even as they acknowledge the achievements and relationships forged during their tenure. The layoffs are particularly striking because they run counter to the public position taken by Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell.
In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that the studio would shield its employees from financial risk, even if that meant placing cash on the line for game development projects. He stated, "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." That stance, however, appears to have been challenged by the current market environment.
The video‑game industry has been experiencing a prolonged period of volatility, with rising development costs, shifting consumer preferences, and a tightening of investment capital. Many mid‑size studios, especially those that rely on a mix of original intellectual property and contract work, have found it increasingly difficult to maintain stable cash flows.
Schell Games, despite its reputation for innovative, narrative‑driven experiences, is not immune to these macro‑economic forces. Industry analysts point out that the broader trend of layoffs across gaming firms reflects a “bleeding” of talent as companies reassess project pipelines and prioritize profitability. The pandemic‑driven boom that once fueled rapid hiring has largely subsided, and studios are now confronting the reality that not every title will generate the expected returns. In this context, even firms that have publicly pledged to protect jobs may be forced to make difficult personnel decisions when revenue forecasts fall short or when funding partners demand tighter budgets.
The reaction from the gaming community has been mixed. Some fans expressed empathy for the displaced employees, sharing supportive messages and offering to help with job referrals. Others questioned whether the studio’s earlier assurances about job security were realistic, given the unpredictable nature of the market.
Meanwhile, competitors and industry observers have noted that Schell Games’ situation serves as a cautionary tale for other mid‑size developers that rely heavily on a handful of flagship titles. As of now, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment on the layoffs and on how the company plans to navigate the challenges ahead.
No response has been received at the time of writing. The future of the studio remains uncertain, but the dedication of its remaining staff and the loyalty of its fan base may provide a foundation for recovery, should the company manage to secure new projects or partnerships.
In summary, Schell Games’ recent staff reductions underscore the precarious state of the current gaming landscape. While the studio’s leadership has historically advocated for protecting employees from financial risk, external pressures appear to have compelled a departure from that philosophy.
The affected employees, many of whom have contributed to beloved titles, are now seeking new opportunities, and the industry watches closely to see how Schell Games will adapt and whether it can uphold its creative vision amid these turbulent times.