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 industry outlet Game Developer. According to the report, the first wave of cuts began on a Friday and was confirmed by multiple staff members across different departments.
The studio’s principal engineering manager was among the first to speak out, writing that Schell Games had experienced "its first ever layoffs today." He clarified that he himself was not among those let go, and he emphasized that the reductions were not a reflection of individual performance. "This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do.
Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging," he wrote, underscoring the broader economic pressures affecting the gaming sector. The marketing division was also hit hard. Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, posted a message confirming that members of his team were among those affected. He went on to name four specific colleagues who would be departing, offering a brief tribute to their contributions.
Meanwhile, the senior public‑relations manager shared additional details, listing names from the art, design, and visual‑effects groups who were also facing termination. By tallying the various LinkedIn announcements, observers estimate that roughly fourteen employees have been impacted in total. This figure is notable given that Schell Games’ own LinkedIn profile lists its headcount as ranging between 51 and 200 staff members, suggesting that the cuts represent a small but significant percentage of the overall workforce.
One of the affected employees, the senior public‑relations manager, posted a heartfelt farewell note. "I won't pretend this isn't a disappointing way to end this chapter, especially after almost six years," she wrote.
She went on to express pride in the work she had done and gratitude for the relationships she had built during her tenure. "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," she added, highlighting the bittersweet nature of the departure. The layoffs are particularly striking because they run counter to the public stance taken by Schell Games’ founder and CEO, Jesse Schell, who has long positioned the studio as an employer that protects its staff from financial volatility. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates the financial risk of game development from the risk to employees’ jobs.
"At the heart of it all is choosing not to put jobs at risk," he 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." Despite those assurances, the current economic climate appears to have forced the studio’s hand.
The broader video‑game industry has been experiencing a downturn, with many publishers reporting lower-than‑expected revenues, delayed releases, and a slowdown in consumer spending. This environment has led to a wave of layoffs across the sector, affecting companies of all sizes, from indie developers to large multinational publishers. Schell Games, which has traditionally prided itself on a stable, employee‑first culture, has not been immune to these forces. The situation also raises questions about the sustainability of the studio’s business model.
Schell Games has built a reputation for creating immersive experiences that blend education and entertainment, often partnering with museums, science centers, and corporate clients. While these projects have garnered praise, they may not generate the same recurring revenue streams as mainstream console or mobile titles. As a result, cash flow fluctuations can have a more pronounced impact on staffing decisions.
Industry observers note that the timing of the layoffs—coming shortly after Schell’s public commitment to job security—could affect the studio’s reputation among prospective talent. Many developers look for workplaces that offer not only creative freedom but also long‑term stability. The perception that a company can reverse its stated policies under pressure may make recruitment more challenging in the future. Nevertheless, the departing employees have expressed a desire to stay connected with the studio’s community and to support one another in their next career moves.
Several have already begun networking with other studios, leveraging the experience they gained at Schell Games to pursue roles in game design, narrative development, and interactive technology. GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment on the layoffs, but as of the time of writing, no response has been received. The lack of a public statement leaves many questions unanswered, including whether additional rounds of reductions are planned, how the remaining staff will be reorganized, and what measures the company will take to safeguard against future cuts.
In summary, Schell Games—once celebrated for its innovative approach to interactive entertainment—has found itself navigating the harsh realities of a contracting market. While the layoffs affect a relatively small portion of its workforce, they underscore the broader challenges facing the gaming industry today. The company’s leadership will need to balance its commitment to employee welfare with the financial imperatives that drive any business, a task that will likely shape its future trajectory for years to come.