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 initiated a round of staff reductions. The news surfaced after several employees posted about the layoffs on LinkedIn, prompting coverage by Game Developer.
According to those posts, the first wave of cuts began last Friday and has already affected a noticeable portion of the team. One of the most prominent voices to share the news was the studio’s principal engineering manager. In a LinkedIn update, the manager wrote, "Schell Games had their first ever layoffs today," noting that they themselves were not among those let go. The post went on to explain that the layoffs were not a reflection of any personal performance issues.
"This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do. Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging," the manager added, underscoring the broader economic pressures that have been gripping the gaming sector. The marketing department also felt the impact. Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, confirmed that members of his team were part of the cut and even identified four specific individuals who were let go.
In addition, the senior public‑relations manager at Schell Games posted a separate update that listed several colleagues from the art, design, and visual‑effects divisions who were affected. By tallying the names mentioned across these posts, observers estimate that roughly fourteen employees have been displaced in this first round of reductions.
Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists the company’s size as ranging between 51 and 200 employees, which means that the recent layoffs represent a modest but still significant percentage of the overall workforce. The public‑relations manager, who expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride, 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." This sentiment captures the bittersweet nature of the situation: while the layoffs are certainly a setback, many departing staff members remain appreciative of the experiences and relationships they forged while at Schell Games. The timing of the layoffs is particularly noteworthy given the public statements made by the studio’s founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell.
In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from the risk to employees’ jobs. 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." This stance made the recent layoffs appear contradictory to the company’s previously expressed values. Industry analysts suggest that the broader context of these cuts is the ongoing financial strain affecting many game developers worldwide. After a period of rapid growth and high consumer spending during the pandemic, the market has entered a correction phase marked by tighter budgets, rising development costs, and a more cautious approach from publishers and investors. Even studios that have historically avoided layoffs are now feeling the pressure to streamline operations and reduce overhead.
For Schell Games, the decision to lay off staff may reflect a strategic shift toward focusing resources on core projects or new initiatives that promise a more reliable revenue stream. The studio has a reputation for creating high‑quality, narrative‑driven experiences that often blend physical interaction with digital gameplay, a niche that can be both rewarding and financially demanding. By trimming the workforce, the leadership may be seeking to preserve cash flow while continuing to invest in the creative talent that defines the brand. The reaction from the gaming community has been a mix of empathy and concern.
Fans of the I Expect You to Die series and the Among Us 3D adaptation have taken to social media to express support for the affected employees and to question how the studio will maintain its production schedule moving forward. Some commentators have highlighted the irony of the layoffs occurring after Schell’s public commitment to protecting jobs, while others have pointed out that even the most well‑intentioned policies can be upended by macro‑economic realities. In the days following the announcements, several former Schell Games staff members have begun to explore new opportunities, both within the gaming sector and in adjacent fields such as virtual reality, educational technology, and interactive media. Their LinkedIn updates indicate a proactive approach to career transition, with many emphasizing the valuable skills and unique experiences gained at Schell Games as assets for future roles.
GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment on the layoffs, but as of this writing, no response has been received. The lack of a formal statement leaves room for speculation about the company’s long‑term strategy and whether additional rounds of reductions could be on the horizon. Overall, the situation at Schell Games serves as a microcosm of the challenges facing mid‑size development studios in an increasingly volatile market.
While the company’s leadership has historically championed a people‑first philosophy, the current economic climate appears to have forced a difficult decision that impacts both the individuals directly involved and the broader perception of the studio’s commitment to its workforce. As the industry continues to navigate these turbulent times, the experiences of Schell Games and its employees will likely inform future discussions about sustainable growth, employee protection, and the balance between creative ambition and financial prudence.