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 been forced to reduce its workforce. The news emerged after several employees posted about the layoffs on LinkedIn, prompting coverage by Game Developer.
According to those posts, the first round of cuts began on a Friday and marked the first time the company has ever had to let staff go. One of the most prominent voices in the discussion was the studio's principal engineering manager, who publicly noted that the layoffs were not a result of any personal performance issues. "Schell Games had their first ever layoffs today," the manager wrote, adding that the decision was driven by broader market forces rather than any individual shortcomings.
"This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do. Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging," the post read, underscoring the pervasive financial strain affecting game developers across the sector. The impact of the cuts was further confirmed by Marketing Director Dwayne Waite Jr., who disclosed that the marketing department was among those affected and listed four specific employees who were let go. In addition, the studio's senior public relations manager shared a more extensive roster of names, spanning the art, design, and visual effects teams.
By piecing together the various announcements, observers estimate that roughly fourteen individuals have been impacted by this round of reductions. This figure is notable given that Schell Games' LinkedIn profile lists its total headcount as ranging between 51 and 200 employees, suggesting that the layoffs represent a significant percentage of the company's overall staff. The public relations manager also offered a reflective comment on the experience, describing the situation as a "disappointing way to end this chapter," especially after nearly six years of service. Despite the sadness, the manager expressed pride in the work accomplished and gratitude for the colleagues with whom they collaborated.
"I won't pretend this isn't a disappointing way to end this chapter, especially after almost 6 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." These layoffs arrive at a time when the company's founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, has been an outspoken advocate against job cuts within the industry. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell emphasized that the studio separates financial risk from the risk to its employees. He explained that while the company is willing to invest cash in a game development project, it strives to avoid putting any employee's job in jeopardy.
"At the heart of it all is choosing not to put jobs at risk," Schell said. "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 contrast between Schell's stated philosophy and the recent layoffs has sparked discussion among industry observers.
Some analysts point out that the broader economic climate for video games has been volatile, with rising development costs, shifting consumer preferences, and a slowdown in funding for mid‑size studios. Others note that even companies with a strong reputation for employee stewardship can be forced to make difficult decisions when revenue streams falter or when projected returns on new titles diminish.
The situation at Schell Games also highlights a larger trend of consolidation and downsizing within the gaming sector. Over the past few years, numerous studios have announced similar workforce reductions, citing factors such as delayed releases, underperforming launches, and the lingering effects of the pandemic‑induced boom that later gave way to a more cautious market environment.
While the exact financial details of Schell Games' current projects have not been disclosed, the public statements suggest that the company is navigating a period of uncertainty that many of its peers are also experiencing. In response to the layoffs, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for comment, seeking clarification on how the decision aligns with the company's previously articulated commitment to job security. As of now, no official response has been made public. Meanwhile, the affected employees are reportedly receiving severance packages and support in finding new opportunities, though the emotional toll of an unexpected departure remains evident in the candid LinkedIn posts.
The broader gaming community has expressed both sympathy and support for the displaced staff, with many colleagues and fans offering words of encouragement and sharing resources for job hunting. This collective response underscores the tight‑knit nature of the industry, where professionals often rely on networks and shared experiences to weather challenging times. Looking ahead, Schell Games will likely need to reassess its project pipeline, budgeting strategies, and perhaps explore new partnerships or publishing models to stabilize its financial footing. The company's legacy of innovative, immersive experiences—particularly in the realm of virtual reality and narrative-driven games—remains a valuable asset that could attract future investment or collaborative ventures.
In summary, the layoffs at Schell Games represent a sobering reminder that even studios with a strong cultural emphasis on employee well‑being are not immune to market pressures. While the immediate impact is felt most acutely by the fourteen individuals who have lost their positions, the ripple effects extend to the remaining team members, the company's reputation, and the broader ecosystem of developers who look to Schell Games as a benchmark for creative excellence and workplace values.
The coming weeks will reveal how the studio adapts to this new reality and whether it can uphold Jesse Schell's vision of protecting jobs while continuing to produce compelling gaming experiences.