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 reportedly begun a round of layoffs affecting a number of its employees. The news first surfaced in an article published by Game Developer, which referenced a series of LinkedIn updates posted by members of the Schell Games team.
These updates detailed that the downsizing process started on a Friday and has continued over the subsequent days. One of the first posts 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 whose positions were eliminated. In the same message, they added a broader perspective on the situation, stating, “This isn’t a result of any individual actions.
Our industry (and beyond) is currently bleeding heavily.” The impact of the cuts was further confirmed by Marketing Director Dwayne Waite Jr., who indicated that the marketing department was directly affected. He went on to list four specific colleagues who were let go, providing a glimpse into the human side of the restructuring. In addition, the studio’s senior public‑relations manager contributed to the narrative by naming several staff members from the art, design, and visual‑effects divisions who were also impacted. Compiling the information from all of the posts, industry observers estimate that roughly fourteen employees have been affected by the layoffs.
This figure is notable when compared with the company’s own LinkedIn profile, which lists its workforce size as ranging between 51 and 200 employees. The proportion of staff reductions, therefore, represents a non‑trivial slice of the organization. The public‑relations manager, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride in a reflective comment: “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 weight that such workforce changes can carry, especially in a creative field where collaboration and long‑term relationships are central to the work.
The layoffs are particularly striking given the public stance that Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, has taken on the subject of job security. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from the risk to employees’ livelihoods.
He said, “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.” He went on to explain that even if a proprietary title fails to generate revenue, the studio would still retain its staff, emphasizing that the decision to protect jobs is a deliberate choice rather than a default outcome.
Schell’s comments suggested a firm commitment to preserving employment even in the face of market volatility, a stance that has now been called into question by the recent layoffs. The contrast between the earlier promise and the current reality has sparked conversation among industry analysts about the pressures that mid‑size independent studios face, especially in a market that has been described as “hemorrhaging” due to factors such as rising development costs, shifting consumer preferences, and broader economic uncertainty.
The broader gaming sector has indeed been experiencing a wave of restructuring and workforce reductions over the past year. Analysts point to a combination of high‑budget projects failing to meet sales expectations, the increasing cost of licensing and technology, and a slowdown in consumer spending as key drivers. For a studio like Schell Games, which balances original IP development with contract work for larger publishers, the financial calculus can become especially complex. While the exact reasons for Schell Games’ decision have not been disclosed in detail, the timing aligns with a period when many developers are reassessing their pipelines, trimming non‑essential staff, and focusing resources on core projects that promise a more reliable return on investment.
Some insiders suggest that the studio may be reallocating talent toward upcoming titles in the I Expect You To Die franchise, which has a dedicated fan base and a proven track record of delivering engaging puzzle‑based experiences. GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment on the layoffs and to seek clarification on how the company plans to navigate the current market challenges while staying true to its earlier commitments to employee security.
As of now, no response has been received. The situation at Schell Games serves as a reminder that even studios with a strong reputation for creative innovation and a publicly articulated commitment to job stability are not immune to the broader economic forces shaping the video‑game industry.
Employees who have been let go are likely to seek new opportunities within the vibrant indie scene or possibly transition to larger studios that can offer more stable employment. Meanwhile, the remaining staff will need to adapt to a leaner operational model, potentially taking on expanded responsibilities as the company strives to maintain its production schedule and uphold the quality standards that have defined its brand. In summary, Schell Games’ recent layoffs reflect a confluence of industry‑wide financial pressures and internal strategic decisions.
The move marks a departure from the CEO’s previously stated philosophy of safeguarding jobs at all costs, highlighting the difficult trade‑offs that even well‑intentioned leaders must sometimes make. The full impact of these cuts will become clearer in the months ahead, as the studio reveals its next projects and as the broader market continues to evolve.