Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of the hit party game Among Us and for the critically acclaimed I Expect You to Die series, has recently confirmed that it is cutting staff positions. The news surfaced after a series of LinkedIn updates from current and former employees began to surface, indicating that the layoffs started on the Friday before the announcement.
Game Developer magazine cited these social‑media posts as the primary source of the story. One of the most prominent messages came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote, "Schell Games had their first ever layoffs today," noting that they themselves were not among those let go. The manager went on to explain that the reductions were not tied to any personal performance issues, but rather to broader market conditions: "This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do.
Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging." The marketing department was also directly impacted, as confirmed by Marketing Director Dwayne Waite Jr. In his post, Waite identified four members of the marketing team who were affected.
Additional information was supplied by the senior public relations manager, who listed several colleagues from the art, design, and visual‑effects divisions who were also part of the layoff wave. By tallying the names mentioned across these posts, observers estimate that roughly fourteen employees have been let go. The company’s LinkedIn profile lists its total headcount as ranging between 51 and 200 employees, which suggests that the recent cuts represent a noticeable, though not catastrophic, percentage of the overall workforce.
One of the affected public‑relations staff members posted a reflective note, saying, "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 layoffs are particularly striking given the public stance taken by Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, who has long advocated against job cuts.
In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from the risk to employees. 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." The apparent contradiction between Schell’s earlier statements and the current reality has prompted many observers to wonder what has shifted in the company’s financial landscape. While the exact reasons have not been disclosed, industry analysts point to a combination of factors that have been affecting the broader gaming sector: rising development costs, increased competition from both established publishers and indie creators, and a slowdown in consumer spending on entertainment following the pandemic‑induced boom. The gaming market, which experienced unprecedented growth during the COVID‑19 pandemic, is now entering a period of correction.
Studios that expanded rapidly to meet surging demand are now confronting tighter budgets and more cautious investors. In addition, the shift toward live‑service models and subscription‑based revenue streams has altered the risk profile for many developers, making it harder for companies that rely on traditional one‑time purchases to maintain stable cash flow. Schell Games, despite its reputation for innovative, narrative‑driven experiences, is not immune to these macro‑economic pressures.
The company’s portfolio, while beloved by a niche audience, may not generate the same level of revenue as larger, franchise‑driven titles. This reality could have forced the leadership to reassess its cost structure, leading to the difficult decision to reduce staff. The response from the remaining employees appears to be a mixture of disappointment and resolve.
Many have expressed gratitude for the opportunities they received and pride in the projects they helped bring to life. Others have voiced concerns about the future direction of the studio and the potential impact on upcoming releases. GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment on the layoffs and the apparent divergence from Jesse Schell’s previously stated commitment to job security. As of now, no formal response has been published, leaving the community to await further clarification on how the studio plans to navigate the challenges ahead while honoring its creative vision and the well‑being of its team.
In summary, Schell Games’ recent workforce reduction reflects a broader trend of financial tightening within the video‑game industry. While the company’s leadership had previously emphasized a philosophy of protecting employee jobs, the current economic environment appears to have necessitated a reassessment of that stance. The affected staff members have expressed both sorrow at the abrupt ending of their tenure and pride in the work they accomplished, underscoring the complex emotions that accompany such transitions in a creative field. The situation remains fluid, and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Schell Games adapts its business model and project pipeline in the months to come.