Schell Games, the development studio best known for its work on the three‑dimensional version of the wildly popular party game Among Us and the critically acclaimed I Expect You to Die series, has recently confirmed that it is cutting staff positions. The news emerged after a series of LinkedIn updates from current and former employees indicated that the company began a wave of layoffs last Friday, according to a report from Game Developer. One of the first messages to surface was posted by the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote, “Schell Games experienced its inaugural round of layoffs today.” The manager clarified that they themselves were not among those let go.
In the same post, they added a poignant note: “This isn’t a result of any individual’s actions. Our sector is currently bleeding profusely, and the impact is being felt far beyond the gaming industry.” The reductions were further corroborated by Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, who confirmed that members of the marketing team were among those affected.
He went on to list four specific employees who were losing their positions. In addition, the senior public‑relations manager at Schell Games shared additional names from the art, design, and visual‑effects departments, painting a broader picture of the cuts across multiple disciplines. From the publicly shared information, it appears that roughly fourteen individuals have been impacted by the layoffs.
Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists the company’s headcount as falling somewhere between 51 and 200 employees, so the loss of fourteen staff members represents a noticeable contraction for a studio of its size. One of the departing employees, the senior public‑relations manager, expressed mixed emotions in a heartfelt LinkedIn entry. “I won’t pretend this isn’t a disappointing way to close this chapter, especially after almost six years,” they wrote.
“Nevertheless, I leave with pride for what I achieved during my tenure, and I’m deeply grateful for the colleagues and collaborators who helped shape our projects.” Their words capture both the sadness of an unexpected career transition and the gratitude that often accompanies a long‑standing professional relationship. The layoffs are particularly striking given the public stance of Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, who has long advocated against job cuts. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from the risk to employees.
He explained, “At the core of our approach is the decision not to jeopardize jobs. We are willing to risk cash when we develop a game, but we deliberately avoid putting our staff’s livelihoods at stake.” Schell continued, emphasizing that even if the studio’s own intellectual property fails to generate revenue, the company would still strive to keep its workforce intact.
“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 many ways, it’s a choice.” His comments suggest a commitment to financial prudence that does not translate into workforce reductions, making the recent layoffs appear contradictory to his earlier statements. The discrepancy between Schell’s publicly stated policy and the current reality has prompted further inquiry.
GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for comment, seeking clarification on why the company has moved away from its previously articulated stance on job security. Industry observers note that the broader gaming market has been experiencing a period of volatility. Many studios have reported revenue shortfalls, delayed releases, and shifting consumer preferences toward live‑service models and free‑to‑play titles. This macro‑economic pressure has forced several mid‑size developers to reevaluate staffing levels, often resulting in difficult decisions such as layoffs or hiring freezes.
For Schell Games, a studio that has built a reputation for creating immersive, narrative‑driven experiences, the cuts may also reflect a strategic pivot. The company has historically balanced original IP development with contract work for larger publishers. If contract revenue has dwindled or if upcoming projects have been postponed, the studio might have faced cash‑flow constraints that necessitated a reduction in headcount.
Employees who were let go are now navigating the challenges of transitioning to new opportunities in a competitive job market. Many have highlighted the supportive community they found within Schell Games, noting that the studio fostered a collaborative environment where creative risk‑taking was encouraged.
Former staff members have expressed hope that the experience and skills they honed at Schell will open doors elsewhere, even as they lament the abrupt end to their tenure. The situation also raises broader questions about the sustainability of independent studios that aim to maintain both creative independence and financial stability.
While Jesse Schell’s earlier remarks underscored a moral commitment to protecting jobs, the reality of operating within a market that can shift dramatically in a short period may compel even the most well‑intentioned leaders to make hard choices. As the industry watches, the hope among former Schell Games employees and supporters is that the studio will find a path forward that aligns with its original values—perhaps by securing new partnerships, diversifying its portfolio, or exploring alternative revenue streams that can support a stable workforce. In the meantime, the affected staff members are leveraging their professional networks, updating portfolios, and reaching out to recruiters to secure new positions.
The broader community has responded with an outpouring of support, offering job leads, freelance opportunities, and words of encouragement. This collective response underscores the tight‑knit nature of the game development community, where professionals often rally around one another during periods of uncertainty. While the immediate future for Schell Games remains uncertain, the company’s legacy of innovative gameplay and immersive storytelling endures. Whether the studio can reconcile its financial realities with its publicly stated commitment to employee security will be a key storyline to watch in the months ahead.
The industry, analysts, and former employees alike will be monitoring any further statements from Jesse Schell and the leadership team, hoping for transparency and a clear roadmap that explains how Schell Games intends to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving market while staying true to its core principles.