Schell Games, the studio known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of the wildly popular party game Among Us and for the critically acclaimed I Expect You to Die series, has recently been forced to reduce its workforce. Multiple LinkedIn updates from employees at the company, first reported by Game Developer, indicate that the layoffs began on a Friday and have already impacted a notable portion of the staff.
The first public indication of the cuts came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who posted that "Schell Games had their first ever layoffs today." The manager clarified that they themselves were not among those let go, and added a somber note: "This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do. Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging." The news was further corroborated by the studio’s marketing director, Dwayne Waite Jr., who confirmed that the marketing department was among those affected. He listed four individuals who were directly impacted, and the senior public‑relations manager later shared additional names from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams. When the various posts are combined, it appears that roughly fourteen employees have been laid off.
Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists its headcount as falling somewhere between 51 and 200 employees, so the reduction represents a noticeable percentage of the total workforce. 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." This sentiment underscores the emotional toll such cuts can have on long‑standing team members who have invested significant time and creative energy into the studio’s projects. The layoffs are particularly striking given the public stance of Schell Games’ founder and CEO, Jesse Schell, who has long spoken out against job cuts.
In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell emphasized that the studio separates financial risk from the risk to its 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.
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 remarks suggested a philosophy of protecting staff even when financial outcomes are uncertain.
Yet the recent reductions reveal that external pressures—perhaps a broader industry downturn, shifting market dynamics, or internal budget constraints—have forced the studio to reconsider that stance. The gaming industry as a whole has been experiencing a period of volatility, with many companies reporting revenue shortfalls, rising development costs, and heightened competition from both established publishers and emerging indie developers.
This environment has led to a wave of layoffs across the sector, as studios grapple with the need to streamline operations while still delivering high‑quality experiences to players. For Schell Games, the decision likely involved a complex assessment of project pipelines, cash flow, and the sustainability of its current staffing levels. The company has a reputation for creating immersive, narrative‑driven experiences that blend physical interaction with digital gameplay, a niche that can be both rewarding and financially demanding.
Maintaining a team capable of delivering such innovative titles while also weathering market fluctuations is a delicate balancing act. Industry observers note that layoffs of this nature, especially at a studio that has previously championed job security, may signal deeper challenges. It could reflect a slowdown in new contract work, delays in publishing schedules, or a strategic pivot toward smaller, more manageable projects.
Some analysts also point to the broader macro‑economic climate—rising interest rates, inflation, and reduced consumer discretionary spending—as contributing factors that have pressured even well‑established developers. The impact on the remaining staff is another important consideration. Layoffs can affect morale, productivity, and the overall culture of a studio. Employees who stay may experience increased workloads as they take on responsibilities previously handled by their departed colleagues.
Conversely, the reduction in headcount can also lead to a leaner, more focused team that is better positioned to adapt quickly to changing market demands. In response to the situation, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for comment, seeking clarification on the specific reasons behind the cuts and how the studio plans to move forward. Until an official statement is released, much of the narrative remains pieced together from employee posts and prior public statements.
Overall, the layoffs at Schell Games serve as a reminder that even studios with strong creative legacies and outspoken leadership are not immune to the economic pressures that affect the broader gaming ecosystem. While the immediate effect is a painful disruption for those directly impacted, the long‑term ramifications will depend on how the studio navigates its financial strategy, project planning, and commitment to its remaining team members in the months and years ahead.