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 franchise, has reportedly initiated a round of staff reductions. The news surfaced after a series of LinkedIn updates from current and former employees began to surface on the platform, indicating that the layoffs started on the Friday preceding the reports.
Game Development news outlet Game Developer highlighted the situation, pointing to multiple posts that detailed the scope and impact of the cuts. One of the most striking messages came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote that the company was undergoing its first ever layoffs. The manager clarified that they themselves had not been dismissed, emphasizing that the decision was not a reflection of any employee’s performance. "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 broader economic pressures affecting the gaming sector at large. The marketing department was also directly affected, as confirmed by Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director. Waite publicly named four individuals from his team who were part of the layoff wave. In addition, the senior public‑relations manager for Schell Games shared a longer list of colleagues from the art, design, and visual‑effects divisions who were also let go.
When the information was compiled, it appeared that roughly fourteen employees had been impacted in total. This figure is notable given that Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists the company’s headcount as ranging between 51 and 200 staff members, suggesting that the cuts represent a significant percentage of the workforce.
One of the affected employees, the senior public‑relations manager, posted a heartfelt farewell message. "I won’t pretend this isn’t a disappointing way to end this chapter, especially after almost six 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." The sentiment reflects a mixture of sorrow over the abrupt ending and gratitude for the professional growth and relationships forged during their tenure. These layoffs are particularly striking because they run counter to the public stance that Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, has taken on the topic 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 stated, "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. 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." Schell’s comments suggested that the studio would prioritize maintaining its workforce even in the face of financial uncertainty, opting instead to absorb monetary losses rather than lay off staff. The recent round of reductions, however, appears to contradict that philosophy, raising questions about whether external market forces have become too severe to ignore or whether internal strategic shifts have altered the company’s risk calculus.
The broader gaming industry has been experiencing a period of volatility, with many mid‑size developers reporting revenue shortfalls, delayed projects, and shifting consumer preferences toward live‑service models and free‑to‑play titles. These trends have placed pressure on studios that rely on traditional publishing deals or that have a portfolio of niche, premium experiences. Schell Games, known for its emphasis on educational and immersive experiences, may have felt the pinch as schools and institutions tighten budgets, and as corporate sponsors re‑evaluate marketing spend. In addition to the economic headwinds, the rapid evolution of technology—particularly the rise of virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality platforms—has forced many developers to invest heavily in new tools, talent, and research and development.
The cost of staying at the cutting edge can be substantial, and smaller studios often lack the deep pockets of larger publishers to weather prolonged periods of low cash flow. While Schell Games has not yet issued an official statement beyond the employee‑generated posts, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out for comment. The lack of an immediate corporate response leaves room for speculation about the company’s future direction. Some industry observers suggest that the layoffs could be a pre‑emptive measure to streamline operations ahead of a new project launch, while others believe it may be a reaction to underperforming titles or a shift in strategic focus toward licensing and partnership models.
Regardless of the underlying reasons, the impact on the individuals who were let go is tangible. The affected employees have expressed a mixture of disappointment and resilience, emphasizing the skills and experiences they have gained at Schell Games.
Many have begun to explore new opportunities within the broader gaming ecosystem, leveraging their background in immersive design, narrative development, and interactive storytelling. For the remaining staff, the layoffs may serve as a catalyst for introspection and adaptation.
The studio will likely need to reassess its project pipeline, resource allocation, and perhaps even its core business model to ensure sustainability moving forward. Maintaining morale and retaining talent will be crucial, especially as the company navigates an industry landscape that remains unpredictable.
In summary, Schell Games’ recent staff reductions highlight the challenging environment confronting many mid‑size game developers today. While the company’s leadership has historically championed a philosophy of protecting jobs, the current economic climate appears to have forced a difficult decision. The situation underscores the delicate balance between financial stewardship and employee security, a balance that many studios will continue to grapple with as the industry evolves.
The full ramifications of these layoffs will unfold over the coming months, as Schell Games either stabilizes its operations or possibly undergoes further restructuring. Stakeholders, from investors to fans of the studio’s unique titles, will be watching closely to see how the company adapts and whether it can uphold its commitment to innovative, high‑quality interactive experiences in the face of ongoing market turbulence.