Schell Games, the 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 positions. The news surfaced after several employees posted about the layoffs on LinkedIn, prompting Game Developer to investigate and publish a report summarizing the situation. The first public indication of the reductions came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who posted on LinkedIn that the company experienced its inaugural round of layoffs on a Friday. The manager clarified that they themselves were not among those let go, and they added a note of empathy for their colleagues: "This has happened not because of anything you did or didn’t do.
Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging." The marketing department was also directly affected. Dwayne Waite Jr., Schell Games’ marketing director, confirmed that members of his team were part of the cut and even identified four individuals whose positions were eliminated.
In addition, the studio’s senior public‑relations manager shared further details, naming several staff members from the art, design, and visual‑effects divisions who were impacted. Based on the collective LinkedIn posts, the consensus is that roughly fourteen employees have been let go.
This figure is notable given that Schell Games’ LinkedIn company page lists its headcount as ranging between 51 and 200 employees, meaning the layoffs represent a noticeable percentage of the workforce. One of the affected employees, the senior public‑relations manager, expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride in a follow‑up post. "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 timing of these cuts is particularly striking because Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, has long been vocal about his opposition to job reductions. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from the risk to 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 that the studio would rather absorb financial losses than lay off staff, a stance that resonated with many within the industry who view the current market climate as precarious. The broader gaming sector has indeed been experiencing a downturn, with numerous publishers reporting reduced revenues, delayed releases, and a general tightening of budgets.
Analysts attribute this contraction to a combination of factors, including market saturation, rising development costs, and shifting consumer preferences toward live‑service models and free‑to‑play titles. Despite the company’s stated commitment to preserving jobs, the reality of a shrinking market appears to have forced Schell Games to reconsider its position. The layoffs underscore a growing trend where even studios with strong reputations and a track record of innovative titles are not immune to the economic pressures affecting the wider industry.
For employees, the news serves as a stark reminder that job security in game development can be volatile, regardless of a company’s public statements or past performance. The response from the wider community has been one of empathy and support.
Colleagues from other studios, former employees, and fans of Schell Games’ work have taken to social media to express their gratitude for the contributions of those laid off and to wish them success in future endeavors. Many have also highlighted the importance of industry-wide initiatives that could provide a safety net for developers facing similar circumstances, such as professional development programs, networking groups, and potential unionization efforts. While Schell Games has not released an official press statement beyond the employee posts, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out for comment.
As of now, no further clarification has been provided regarding the specific departments most affected, the criteria used to determine which roles were eliminated, or any plans for future hiring once the market stabilizes. In summary, Schell Games—renowned for its contributions to both casual and immersive gaming experiences—has entered a difficult phase marked by its first-ever layoffs. Approximately fourteen staff members across engineering, marketing, art, design, and visual effects have been let go, reflecting broader economic challenges within the gaming sector.
The development underscores the tension between a founder’s public commitment to job security and the harsh financial realities that can compel even well‑intentioned studios to make tough personnel decisions. The situation remains fluid, and observers will be watching closely to see how Schell Games navigates the ongoing industry downturn while attempting to uphold its creative vision and corporate values.