Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of the viral hit Among Us and for producing the critically acclaimed I Expect You to Die series, has recently been forced to cut its workforce. Multiple LinkedIn updates from employees have confirmed that the layoff process began last Friday, sparking concern across the industry.
The first public indication came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who posted that Schell Games experienced its inaugural round of layoffs on that day. The manager emphasized that the reductions were not a reflection of personal performance, stating, "This is not a result of anything you did or didn’t do. Our sector—and the broader market—are currently bleeding heavily." The announcement was reinforced by marketing director Dwayne Waite Jr., who confirmed that the marketing department was among those impacted. He went on to name four colleagues who were directly affected.
In addition, the studio’s senior public‑relations manager added further details, listing employees from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams who were also let go. Compiling the information from these posts suggests that roughly fourteen individuals have been affected overall.
Schell Games lists its headcount on LinkedIn as ranging between 51 and 200 employees, meaning the cuts represent a noticeable percentage of the organization’s total staff. One of the affected public‑relations professionals 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.
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." 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. 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." The apparent contradiction between Schell’s stated policy and the recent layoffs has prompted further scrutiny. While the company has not released an official statement addressing the specific reasons behind the cuts, industry observers point to broader market pressures.
The video‑game sector has been experiencing a prolonged downturn, with many publishers reporting reduced revenue, delayed releases, and tighter budgets. This macro‑economic environment has forced even well‑established studios to reassess staffing levels and operational costs. Analysts also note that the shift toward live‑service models, subscription platforms, and the rising cost of high‑fidelity production have altered the financial calculus for many developers. Smaller studios, in particular, often lack the cushion to absorb prolonged periods of low cash flow, making workforce reductions a painful but sometimes necessary measure to ensure long‑term viability.
For Schell Games, the decision likely reflects a combination of these external forces and internal strategic recalibrations. The studio’s portfolio, while diverse, includes a mix of original intellectual property and contract work for larger publishers. Fluctuations in contract pipelines can create cash‑flow gaps that, if not managed carefully, jeopardize payroll stability.
Despite the layoffs, the company’s leadership has emphasized a continued commitment to its core values and to the projects that remain in development. Employees who stayed on have expressed optimism that the studio will emerge leaner but more focused, with an eye toward delivering the high‑quality interactive experiences that have defined its brand. The broader industry reaction has been one of empathy and reflection. Colleagues from other studios have reached out to the displaced workers, offering freelance opportunities, networking connections, and moral support.
This sense of community underscores a growing recognition that talent mobility is essential in a market that can shift rapidly. In summary, Schell Games’ recent staff reductions illustrate the harsh reality that even studios with a strong creative pedigree are not immune to the financial headwinds affecting the entire gaming ecosystem. While the layoffs contradict Jesse Schell’s previously vocal opposition to cutting jobs, they also highlight the difficult choices leaders must make when balancing fiscal responsibility with the promise of creative ambition.
The affected employees, though understandably disappointed, have left with a sense of pride in their contributions, and the studio itself appears poised to navigate the challenges ahead with a renewed focus on sustainability and innovation.