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 staff reductions. The news emerged after several employees posted about the layoffs on LinkedIn, prompting coverage by the industry outlet Game Developer. According to the report, the first wave of cuts began on a Friday, marking the first time the company has ever had to let go of team members.
The studio’s principal engineering manager shared a brief update, noting that while they themselves were not among those dismissed, they were witnessing the painful process unfold. "Schell Games had their first ever layoffs today," the manager wrote, adding a note of reassurance to colleagues: "This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do. Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging." The impact of the reductions was confirmed by marketing director Dwayne Waite Jr., who identified four members of the marketing team as among those affected.
Further details were supplied by the senior public relations manager, who listed additional names from the art, design, and visual effects departments. When the information was compiled, it appeared that roughly fourteen individuals had been impacted across the organization.
Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists the studio’s size as falling somewhere between 51 and 200 employees, meaning the layoffs represent a noticeable, though not catastrophic, percentage of the workforce. One of the departing employees, the senior public relations manager, expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride in a reflective LinkedIn post. "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 the cuts is particularly striking given the public stance of Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, who has long positioned the studio as a company that safeguards its employees from financial turbulence.
In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from employment risk. "At the heart of it all is choosing not to put jobs at risk," he explained.
"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." That statement now appears at odds with the reality of the recent layoffs, prompting observers to wonder whether the company’s financial outlook has shifted dramatically or whether external market pressures have forced a reassessment of its earlier commitments.
The broader video‑game industry has indeed been experiencing a period of volatility, with several high‑profile publishers announcing cutbacks, studio closures, and project cancellations over the past year. Factors such as rising development costs, uncertain consumer spending patterns, and the lingering effects of global economic headwinds have contributed to what many insiders describe as a "bleeding" environment. For Schell Games, the challenges may be compounded by the nature of its business model. The studio has carved out a niche creating immersive experiences that blend physical interaction with digital gameplay, often partnering with museums, theme parks, and educational institutions.
While this approach has yielded innovative titles and a loyal fan base, it also ties the company’s revenue streams to sectors that have faced their own disruptions, such as reduced tourism and budget constraints in cultural institutions. In addition to the immediate human impact, the layoffs raise questions about the future direction of Schell Games’ development pipeline.
The studio’s most recent releases have included expansions to the *I Expect You to Die* franchise, as well as experimental VR projects that push the boundaries of narrative design. With a smaller team, the studio may need to prioritize certain projects over others, potentially delaying upcoming releases or scaling back the scope of ambitious new ideas.
Industry analysts suggest that the company could explore several strategies to mitigate the fallout and stabilize its operations. One possibility is to seek additional partnership deals with larger publishers or technology firms that can provide upfront funding in exchange for co‑ownership of intellectual property. Another avenue is to expand its service‑based offerings, such as custom VR experiences for corporate training or brand activations, which can generate more predictable cash flow. Employees who remain at Schell Games are likely to face an increased workload as the studio adjusts to a leaner structure.
The leadership will need to communicate transparently about revised goals, timelines, and expectations to maintain morale and prevent burnout. In past statements, Jesse Schell has emphasized a culture of creativity and collaboration; preserving that culture during a period of contraction will be a delicate balancing act. The situation also serves as a broader cautionary tale for the gaming sector. Even studios that have cultivated strong reputations for ethical employment practices are not immune to market forces that can force difficult decisions.
It underscores the importance of diversified revenue models, prudent financial planning, and the ability to pivot quickly when external conditions shift. As of now, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for comment on the layoffs and on how the company intends to reconcile its stated commitment to job security with the recent workforce reductions. The response, if any, will likely shed further light on the internal calculations that led to this outcome and on what employees and stakeholders can expect in the months ahead.
In the meantime, the affected employees are navigating the transition, many sharing messages of gratitude for the experiences they gained and optimism about future opportunities. Their reflections echo a common sentiment in the industry: while layoffs are painful, the skills honed at a studio like Schell Games—ranging from narrative design to cutting‑edge VR engineering—remain highly valuable and transferable. Overall, the episode marks a sobering moment for Schell Games, a studio that has long been celebrated for its innovative spirit and its dedication to its people.
How the company rebuilds and adapts will be closely watched by peers, investors, and fans alike, offering a real‑time case study of resilience in a sector that continues to evolve at a rapid pace.