Schell Games, the development studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of the hit party game Among Us and for producing the acclaimed I Expect You To Die series, has reportedly initiated a round of layoffs affecting several members of its team. The news broke after Game Developer published a story that referenced a series of LinkedIn updates posted by current and former employees.
These updates detailed that the layoff process began on a Friday and has continued over the past few days. One of the first public notes came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote, “Schell Games experienced its inaugural layoffs today.” The manager clarified that they themselves were not among those let go, and they added a broader perspective on the situation: “This isn’t a result of anything you did or didn’t do.
Our industry (and the broader entertainment sector) is currently bleeding heavily.” The marketing department was also directly impacted, as confirmed by Marketing Director Dwayne Waite Jr. In his post, Waite identified four colleagues from the marketing team who were part of the reduction. Further information was supplied by the studio’s senior public‑relations manager, who listed additional names from the art, design, and visual‑effects divisions, indicating that the cuts spanned multiple functional areas. Compiling the various LinkedIn announcements suggests that roughly fourteen individuals have been affected overall.
While the exact headcount of Schell Games is not publicly disclosed, the company’s LinkedIn profile indicates a staff range of between 51 and 200 employees, meaning the layoffs represent a noticeable, though not catastrophic, percentage of the workforce. One of the affected employees, the senior public‑relations manager, expressed mixed emotions in a reflective post. “I won’t pretend this isn’t a disappointing way to close this chapter, especially after nearly six years with the company,” they wrote.
“Nevertheless, I leave feeling proud of what I helped achieve during my tenure and grateful for the teammates I got to collaborate with.” This sentiment underscores a common theme among those impacted: a sense of personal pride and gratitude despite the unfortunate circumstances. The layoffs are particularly striking given the public stance of Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, who has historically spoken out against job cuts within the industry. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from employment risk. He stated, “At the core of our approach is the decision not to jeopardize anyone’s job.” He went on to explain that while the studio is willing to risk capital on a game development project, it strives to avoid putting its staff’s livelihoods at stake.
"Even if our own intellectual property generates zero revenue, we have not placed any jobs in jeopardy – we still retain a viable path forward that allows us to keep our people employed. In many ways, it’s a deliberate choice." Despite that earlier commitment, the recent reductions suggest that external pressures may have forced a reassessment of the studio’s financial strategy.
The broader video‑game industry has been experiencing a period of volatility, with many publishers and developers reporting revenue shortfalls, delayed releases, and shifting consumer preferences toward live‑service models and subscription platforms. These macro‑economic trends have placed strain on mid‑size studios that rely on a mix of contract work, original IP development, and educational or experiential projects. Schell Games, in particular, has a diversified portfolio that includes educational experiences for museums and science centers, as well as entertainment titles for mainstream audiences. While diversification can provide a buffer against market swings, it also means the studio must manage a complex set of revenue streams, each with its own risk profile.
When one segment underperforms—such as a slowdown in contract work from institutional partners—the overall cash flow can tighten, prompting difficult decisions about staffing. Industry analysts note that layoffs, while painful, are sometimes employed as a strategic tool to preserve the long‑term health of a company.
By reducing headcount, a studio can lower its fixed costs, extend its runway, and focus resources on high‑priority projects that have the greatest chance of commercial success. In the case of Schell Games, the affected roles spanned marketing, art, design, and visual effects, suggesting that the studio may be consolidating its creative pipeline and reallocating resources toward core development teams. The reaction from the broader community has been one of empathy and support.
Fans of the I Expect You To Die series have taken to social media to thank the departing employees for their contributions and to wish them success in future endeavors. Colleagues within the industry have also expressed solidarity, highlighting the need for more sustainable business models that can protect jobs even during downturns.
As of now, Schell Games has not issued an official statement responding to the layoffs, and GamesIndustry.biz’s request for comment remains unanswered. The silence leaves room for speculation about the studio’s next steps.
Some observers anticipate that the company may be gearing up for a new project that requires a leaner, more focused team, while others suspect that the layoffs could be a prelude to broader restructuring, possibly involving partnerships or acquisition talks. Regardless of the underlying reasons, the situation serves as a reminder that even studios with strong reputations and a history of innovative work are not immune to the financial realities of the gaming market. For the employees who were let go, the experience underscores the importance of adaptability and the value of a robust professional network. For the remaining staff, it may signal a period of intensified workload as the studio adjusts to a smaller team while continuing to meet its development milestones.
In conclusion, the recent layoffs at Schell Games reflect a confluence of industry‑wide challenges, shifting market dynamics, and internal strategic recalibrations. While the decision appears to run counter to the founder’s previously articulated commitment to job security, it also illustrates the difficult balance that mid‑size developers must strike between preserving creative ambition and maintaining fiscal responsibility.
The coming months will likely reveal how the studio navigates this transition, whether through new project launches, revised business models, or potential collaborations that can sustain its workforce and keep its creative output thriving.