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 initiated a round of layoffs affecting a number of its employees. The news first surfaced in a piece published by Game Developer, which cited a series of LinkedIn updates posted by staff members at Schell Games. These updates indicated that the layoff process began on a Friday and was still unfolding at the time of writing. One of the earliest posts came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote, “Schell Games experienced its first ever layoffs today.” The manager clarified that they themselves had not been dismissed, emphasizing that the reductions were not a reflection of individual performance.
The manager added, “This isn’t a result of anything you did or didn’t do. Our industry (and beyond) is currently bleeding heavily.” The marketing department also felt the impact.
Marketing director Dwayne Waite Jr. confirmed that members of his team were among those let go and even listed four specific individuals whose positions were eliminated.
In addition, the senior public‑relations manager at the studio posted a follow‑up message that named several more colleagues from the art, design, and visual‑effects divisions who were affected. Compiling the information from these public statements, it appears that roughly fourteen employees have been impacted by the cuts. Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists its workforce as ranging between 51 and 200 people, meaning the layoffs represent a noticeable, though not massive, percentage of the total staff. One of the departing employees, the senior public‑relations manager, expressed a bittersweet sentiment in a final post: “I won’t pretend this isn’t a disappointing way to end this chapter, especially after almost six years.” Despite the disappointment, the employee also conveyed pride in the work completed during their tenure, stating, “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 decision to downsize comes at a time when Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, has publicly advocated against job cuts.
In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from the risk to employees’ livelihoods. 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.” Schell further elaborated that even if a proprietary title generated no revenue, the studio would still avoid jeopardizing staff positions, noting, “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 recent layoffs therefore appear to contradict Schell’s previously stated stance, raising questions about the pressures the studio is currently facing.
Industry analysts point to a broader trend of financial strain across the video‑game sector, where rising development costs, shifting consumer preferences, and macro‑economic headwinds have forced many mid‑size studios to reassess staffing levels. In recent years, the gaming market has experienced a period of rapid expansion, with blockbuster titles generating unprecedented revenue streams.
However, that growth has been accompanied by increasing competition, higher expectations for production value, and a surge in operational expenses. Smaller and mid‑size developers, even those with a solid track record like Schell Games, often find themselves navigating a volatile environment where a single under‑performing project can have outsized repercussions. For Schell Games, the timing of the layoffs may also be linked to the performance of its recent releases. While the I Expect You To Die series has cultivated a dedicated fan base and received praise for its inventive puzzles and immersive storytelling, the market for VR and AR experiences—areas where the studio has invested heavily—has been slower to mature than anticipated.
Additionally, the 3D adaptation of Among Us, despite its recognizable brand, faced stiff competition from a crowded multiplayer market, potentially limiting its commercial impact. The broader industry context cannot be ignored.
Over the past twelve months, several notable studios have announced workforce reductions, citing similar reasons: “industry hemorrhaging,” as the Schell Games engineering manager put it. Analysts suggest that a combination of rising interest rates, reduced discretionary spending, and supply‑chain disruptions for hardware components have collectively dampened consumer spending on games and related hardware.
Despite these challenges, Schell Games remains committed to its core mission of creating engaging, educational, and narrative‑driven experiences. The studio’s portfolio includes collaborations with museums, educational institutions, and corporate partners, indicating a diversified revenue model that may help mitigate the impact of any single title’s performance. Looking ahead, the company’s leadership will likely need to balance the desire to protect jobs with the practical realities of cash flow and project financing. Some possible strategies include seeking additional publishing partnerships, exploring episodic content releases to generate steady income, or leveraging their expertise in immersive technology to secure contracts outside the traditional consumer gaming space.
GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for comment on the recent layoffs, but as of now no official statement beyond the employee‑shared posts has been released. The situation underscores the precarious nature of the gaming business, where even studios with a strong creative reputation and a history of innovative titles must continually adapt to shifting market dynamics.
In summary, Schell Games has announced its first ever round of staff reductions, affecting an estimated fourteen employees across engineering, marketing, art, design, and visual‑effects. While the cuts appear to run counter to CEO Jesse Schell’s previously expressed commitment to safeguarding jobs, they reflect broader economic pressures that are currently reshaping the video‑game industry. The studio’s future will depend on its ability to navigate these challenges while staying true to its creative vision and maintaining the trust of both its employees and its audience.