Schell Games, the development studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of the hit party game Among Us and for the critically acclaimed I Expect You to Die series, has recently been forced to cut staff members. The news emerged after a series of LinkedIn updates from current employees indicated that the company began laying off personnel last Friday, a development first for the studio.
According to a report from Game Developer, several team members posted about the layoffs, offering a glimpse into the scale and impact of the reductions. One of the most prominent messages came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote, "Schell Games had their first ever layoffs today," noting that he himself had not been among those let go.
He went on to explain that the cuts were not the result of any personal performance issues but rather a symptom of a broader industry downturn. "This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do.
Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging," he added. The marketing department was also hit hard, as confirmed by marketing director Dwayne Waite Jr., who publicly identified four individuals from his team who were affected. In addition, the studio’s senior public relations manager shared a longer list of names, spanning the art, design, and visual effects divisions, further illustrating how the downsizing cut across multiple functions within the organization. Based on the publicly shared information, it appears that roughly fourteen employees have been impacted by the layoffs.
While Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists the company’s headcount as falling somewhere between 51 and 200 staff members, the exact proportion of the workforce affected remains unclear. Nonetheless, the loss of fourteen positions represents a notable contraction for a studio of this size. One of the affected employees, the senior public relations manager, expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride in a heartfelt post. "I won't pretend this isn't a disappointing way to end this chapter, especially after almost six years," she 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." Her words capture both the personal toll of the layoffs and the sense of accomplishment that many long‑term employees feel after contributing to the studio’s successes. The timing of these layoffs is especially striking given the public stance that Schell Games’ founder and CEO, Jesse Schell, has taken on the subject of job security.
In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell emphasized that the studio separates financial risk from the risk to its 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 continued, "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." This philosophy has been a cornerstone of the company's public image, positioning Schell Games as a studio that prioritizes employee stability even in uncertain market conditions. The recent layoffs, therefore, raise questions about how the studio’s financial realities have shifted and whether external pressures have forced a departure from the ideals previously espoused by its leadership. While the exact financial details have not been disclosed, the broader gaming industry has been experiencing a period of contraction, with many mid‑size developers reporting revenue shortfalls, delayed releases, and increased competition from both established publishers and emerging indie studios.
Industry analysts point to several factors that could be contributing to the current climate. First, the lingering effects of the pandemic have altered consumer spending habits, with gamers becoming more selective about where they allocate discretionary funds. Second, rising development costs—particularly for high‑quality 3D experiences and immersive VR titles—have squeezed profit margins for studios that lack deep pockets. Finally, the rapid evolution of distribution platforms and the shift toward subscription‑based models have reshaped revenue streams, sometimes leaving developers with less predictable income.
For Schell Games, which has built a reputation for creating innovative, narrative‑driven experiences that blend puzzle‑solving with immersive storytelling, these market forces may have created a perfect storm. The company’s portfolio, while critically lauded, includes titles that often target niche audiences rather than mass‑market blockbuster sales.
This can make it more vulnerable to fluctuations in consumer demand. Despite the setbacks, there are signs that Schell Games remains committed to its core mission. The studio continues to support its existing titles, providing updates and community engagement, and it is reportedly exploring new partnerships and funding opportunities to sustain future projects.
In the past, the company has successfully leveraged collaborations with educational institutions and corporate partners to diversify its revenue streams, a strategy that could prove vital in navigating the current downturn. The layoffs also highlight a broader trend within the gaming sector, where even studios that have publicly championed employee welfare are not immune to the pressures of a volatile market.
As other developers announce similar reductions, industry observers are calling for more transparent communication about financial health and strategic planning, hoping that greater openness will help mitigate the shock for workers who depend on these jobs for their livelihoods. GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for comment on the recent layoffs, but as of this writing no official response has been received.
The silence leaves many questions unanswered, including whether the studio plans to implement additional cost‑saving measures, how it will support the displaced employees, and what the long‑term outlook looks like for the remaining team members. In summary, Schell Games—once heralded for its commitment to protecting staff from financial risk—has now entered a period of workforce reduction amid a challenging industry environment. While the immediate impact on the affected employees is palpable, the company’s future direction will likely hinge on its ability to adapt to shifting market dynamics, secure new funding sources, and perhaps re‑evaluate the balance between creative ambition and fiscal sustainability.