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* puzzle‑adventure series, has reportedly begun a round of staff reductions. The news surfaced after a series of LinkedIn updates from current and former employees detailed the onset of layoffs that started on a Friday earlier this week.
According to a report published by *Game Developer*, multiple team members posted about the situation, confirming that the cuts were real and affecting a range of departments within the company. One of the first to speak out was the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote, "Schell Games experienced its first ever layoffs today," noting 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 any individual’s actions. The industry (and beyond) right now is bleeding heavily." The impact was not limited to engineering.
Dwayne Waite Jr., the marketing director at Schell Games, also used his LinkedIn platform to acknowledge that the marketing team was hit, even naming four colleagues whose positions were eliminated. In a separate post, the senior public‑relations manager added further details, listing names from the art, design, and visual‑effects divisions who were affected. When the various posts were tallied together, the consensus was that roughly fourteen employees had been laid off across the organization. Schell Games’ own LinkedIn page lists its workforce size as falling somewhere between 51 and 200 employees, meaning the reductions represent a noticeable percentage of the total staff.
One of the affected public‑relations managers reflected on the experience, writing, "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." The layoffs are particularly striking given the public stance of Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, who has long spoken out against job cuts within his studio.
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." Despite those assurances, the current round of reductions suggests that external pressures—perhaps a broader market slowdown, shifting consumer preferences, or the lingering effects of the post‑pandemic industry contraction—have forced the studio to reconsider its earlier commitments. The gaming sector as a whole has been described as "hemorrhaging" by several analysts, with many mid‑size developers reporting revenue shortfalls, delayed releases, and tighter publishing deals.
In such an environment, even studios that have historically prioritized employee security may find themselves compelled to make difficult decisions. Industry observers note that Schell Games operates in a niche that blends educational content with immersive gameplay, often partnering with museums, science centers, and corporate clients. While this model has produced successful titles and a reputation for high‑quality interactive experiences, it also ties the studio’s fortunes to the health of sectors that have been volatile over the past few years.
Funding for educational and experiential projects can be especially sensitive to budget cuts in public institutions and corporate training programs, which may have been impacted by broader economic uncertainty. The layoffs also raise questions about the studio’s future project pipeline. Schell Games has a history of delivering both original IP and contract work for external partners.
Maintaining momentum on multiple fronts requires a stable team of designers, artists, programmers, and marketers. With a reduction of roughly fourteen staff members, the studio may need to re‑allocate responsibilities, delay upcoming releases, or seek additional external support to meet its commitments. For the employees who remain, the situation is likely to be a mix of relief and heightened workload.
In similar scenarios across the industry, surviving team members often take on additional duties while the company works to stabilize its financial footing. Some may view this as an opportunity to demonstrate flexibility and leadership, potentially positioning themselves for future advancement once the studio regains its footing. The broader community reaction has been one of empathy and concern. Fans of *I Expect You to Die* and *Among Us 3D* expressed support for the departing colleagues, sharing messages of gratitude for their contributions and wishing them success in future endeavors.
Colleagues from other studios also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication during such transitions and encouraging industry leaders to prioritize employee well‑being even amid fiscal challenges. While *GamesIndustry.biz* has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment on the layoffs, a formal response has not yet been published. The lack of an immediate statement leaves room for speculation about the exact financial pressures prompting the cuts and whether the studio anticipates further reductions in the near future. In summary, Schell Games—once heralded for its commitment to protecting jobs while taking creative risks—has entered a difficult period marked by its first-ever layoffs.
The move reflects wider turbulence within the gaming industry, where even studios with strong reputations and diversified portfolios are not immune to economic headwinds. As the company navigates this transition, the focus will likely shift toward preserving core projects, supporting the remaining staff, and charting a sustainable path forward in an environment that continues to challenge traditional business models.