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 recently been forced to trim its workforce. Multiple reports, including a detailed piece from Game Developer, have highlighted a series of LinkedIn updates from employees that confirm a wave of layoffs began early last week, specifically on Friday. One of the first public indications came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who posted that Schell Games experienced its inaugural round of layoffs that day. The manager clarified that they themselves were not among those let go, and they emphasized that the cuts were not a reflection of any personal performance issues.
"This isn’t a result of any individual actions. Our industry is currently bleeding heavily," they wrote, underscoring the broader market pressures that have been affecting game developers across the board.
The news was corroborated by marketing director Dwayne Waite Jr., who confirmed that the reductions also impacted the marketing department. He went on to name four colleagues who were directly affected.
In addition, the studio’s senior public relations manager added further names from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams, painting a picture of a cross‑functional downsizing effort. Based on the aggregate of these posts, industry observers estimate that roughly fourteen employees have been laid off. This figure is noteworthy when placed against Schell Games’ publicly listed headcount, which ranges from 51 to 200 staff members according to the company’s LinkedIn profile.
While the exact percentage may appear modest, the human impact is significant, especially for a studio that has cultivated a close‑knit culture over the past six years. The public relations manager, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride in a heartfelt 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 common narrative in the industry: despite the abrupt end, many employees cherish the collaborative experiences and creative milestones they achieved while at Schell Games. These 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’ 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. 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 highlighted a commitment to preserving staff even when revenue streams falter, suggesting that the studio would rather absorb financial losses than lay off talent. This principle has resonated with many in the gaming community, who view Schell Games as a rare example of a developer that prioritizes its people over short‑term profit margins. However, the reality of a rapidly contracting market appears to have overridden those ideals. The broader gaming industry has been experiencing a severe contraction, often described as a "hemorrhaging" of talent and resources, as publishers tighten budgets, investors become more cautious, and consumer spending patterns shift.
Smaller studios, even those with a strong reputation and a diversified portfolio, are feeling the pressure. The ripple effects of high‑profile project delays, rising development costs, and increased competition from both traditional and emerging platforms have created a challenging environment for sustainable growth. In light of these circumstances, Schell Games’ decision to reduce staff may be seen as a pragmatic, albeit painful, response to ensure the company’s long‑term viability.
While the move appears to contradict Jesse Schell’s earlier statements, it also underscores the difficulty of maintaining a no‑layoffs policy when external economic forces intensify. GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment on the situation, but as of now, no response has been published. The studio’s future direction remains uncertain, but the community hopes that the company will find a path forward that balances fiscal responsibility with its historically people‑first ethos.
The episode serves as a sobering reminder that even well‑established, creatively driven studios are not immune to market volatility. For employees, it highlights the importance of adaptability and the value of the skills and relationships built during their tenure. For industry observers, it reinforces the need for ongoing dialogue about sustainable business models that can protect both the creative output and the workforce behind it.