Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of the viral hit *Among Us* and for developing the critically acclaimed *I Expect You to Die* series, has recently confirmed that it is cutting staff members. The news surfaced after Game Developer magazine highlighted a series of LinkedIn updates posted by employees who indicated that the layoffs began on the Friday before the story broke. One of the most prominent messages came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote, "Schell Games experienced its first ever layoffs today," and clarified that they themselves were not among those let go. The manager went on to explain the broader context, stating, "This isn’t a result of anything you did or didn’t do.
Our industry—and the wider entertainment sector—are currently hemorrhaging talent and resources." Further confirmation arrived from the company’s marketing director, Dwayne Waite Jr., who disclosed that the reductions also impacted the marketing department. He listed four individuals who were directly affected. In addition, the senior public‑relations manager at Schell Games shared a longer roster of names, revealing that the cuts extended into the art, design, and visual‑effects teams as well.
Compiling the information from these public posts suggests that roughly fourteen employees have been impacted by the downsizing. While the exact figure is not officially confirmed by the studio, Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile indicates that the company’s total headcount falls somewhere between 51 and 200 staff members, meaning the layoffs represent a noticeable but not catastrophic proportion of the workforce. One of the affected employees, the senior public‑relations manager, posted a reflective note that captured both disappointment and gratitude.
"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 timing of these layoffs is particularly striking given the public stance that Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, has taken on the issue of job security. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from the risk to employees.
He asserted, "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 elaborated further, explaining that even if the studio’s own intellectual property were to generate no revenue, the company would still avoid laying off staff, because they have a strategic plan that allows them to keep people employed while navigating financial uncertainty.
"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," he said. The recent cuts therefore appear to contradict the narrative that the studio would never sacrifice jobs, raising questions about the pressures that led to this decision.
Industry analysts point to a broader trend of financial strain across the gaming sector, where rising development costs, shifting consumer preferences, and the lingering effects of a global economic slowdown have forced many mid‑size studios to reassess their staffing levels. Schell Games, which has built a reputation for creating immersive, narrative‑driven experiences that blend physical interaction with digital gameplay, has faced its own set of challenges.
While titles like *I Expect You to Die* have garnered a dedicated fan base and earned multiple awards, the market for VR and AR experiences—areas where Schell has invested heavily—has been volatile. Sales figures for VR hardware have fluctuated, and many developers have reported difficulty achieving the volume of revenue needed to sustain larger teams.
Moreover, the company’s involvement in collaborative projects such as the *Among Us* 3D adaptation required coordination with external partners and publishers, adding layers of complexity to budgeting and resource allocation. When revenue streams become uncertain, studios often turn to cost‑cutting measures, and unfortunately, staff reductions are a common outcome.
The response from the remaining staff and the wider community has been one of mixed emotions. Some employees expressed solidarity with their departing colleagues, sharing messages of support and offering to help with job searches.
Others voiced concern about the future direction of the studio, wondering whether the core creative vision that defined Schell Games’ earlier successes could survive under tighter financial constraints. In the wake of the announcement, GamesIndustry.biz reached out to Schell Games for an official comment. As of the time of writing, the studio has not provided a formal response, leaving many to speculate about the internal decision‑making process that led to the layoffs. Regardless of the immediate impact, the situation at Schell Games underscores a broader industry reality: even studios that have publicly championed employee security are not immune to market forces.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, companies must balance the desire to innovate with the practicalities of sustainable business models. For those affected, the transition may involve navigating the competitive job market for game developers, many of whom are seeking roles that offer both creative fulfillment and financial stability. Professional networks, industry events, and online platforms are likely to play a crucial role in helping these individuals find new opportunities. In summary, Schell Games has announced its first ever round of layoffs, affecting an estimated fourteen employees across engineering, marketing, art, design, and visual effects.
The cuts come amid a challenging economic environment for the gaming sector and appear to run counter to the company’s previously stated commitment to protecting jobs. While the long‑term implications for the studio remain uncertain, the episode serves as a reminder that even well‑established developers must adapt to shifting financial realities, often at the cost of their workforce.