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 confirmed that it is cutting staff. The news surfaced after several employees posted about the layoffs on LinkedIn, and a report from Game Developer compiled the details.
The first public indication of the reductions came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who posted on LinkedIn that the company had carried out its inaugural round of layoffs on a Friday. The manager clarified that they themselves were not among those let go and emphasized that the decision was not tied to any individual performance. "This isn’t a result of anything you did or didn’t do.
Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging," the manager wrote, underscoring the broader market pressures affecting game developers worldwide. The marketing department was also directly impacted, as confirmed by Dwayne Waite Jr., Schell Games’ marketing director.
Waite identified four members of the marketing team who were affected and shared their names publicly. In addition, the studio’s senior public‑relations manager listed several colleagues from the art, design, and visual‑effects divisions who were part of the cut.
When all of the LinkedIn posts are tallied, it appears that roughly fourteen employees have been separated from the company. This figure is notable given that Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists its total headcount as ranging between 51 and 200 staff members, suggesting that the layoffs represent a small but significant percentage of the workforce. The public‑relations manager expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride in a follow‑up 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 theme among those who leave a company under such circumstances: a sense of personal achievement despite the unfortunate circumstances surrounding their departure. The timing of the layoffs is particularly striking because Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, has long been an outspoken advocate against job cuts in the gaming industry.
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 stance has resonated with many industry observers who view the volatile nature of game development cycles as a catalyst for frequent layoffs and studio closures. Yet the recent cuts at Schell Games illustrate how even studios that publicly champion job security can succumb to external economic pressures. The broader video‑game sector has been experiencing a slowdown, with rising development costs, shifting consumer preferences, and a tightening of investment capital leading to a wave of staff reductions across both indie and AAA publishers.
While GamesIndustry.biz has reached out for comment from Schell Games regarding the current situation, no official response has been published at the time of writing. The lack of a direct statement leaves room for speculation about the specific financial or strategic factors that prompted the decision.
Some analysts suggest that the company may be reallocating resources toward new projects, or perhaps consolidating teams to improve efficiency in a market that is increasingly competitive. For the employees who remain, the layoffs may bring both challenges and opportunities. Remaining staff often have to take on additional responsibilities, adapt to new workflows, and help preserve morale during a period of uncertainty. Conversely, the reduction in headcount can also lead to a leaner organization that is better positioned to pivot quickly, innovate, and deliver high‑quality experiences without the overhead of larger teams.
From an industry‑wide perspective, the Schell Games layoffs serve as a reminder that no studio is immune to market forces. Even companies that have built strong reputations for employee well‑being and creative excellence must constantly balance the desire to protect jobs with the realities of cash flow, project timelines, and investor expectations. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, studios will likely need to explore new business models, diversify revenue streams, and perhaps adopt more sustainable development practices to mitigate the risk of future workforce reductions.
In conclusion, the recent staff cuts at Schell Games highlight a painful but increasingly common reality for many game developers: the need to align creative ambitions with fiscal constraints. While the company’s leadership has historically emphasized a commitment to job security, the current economic climate appears to have forced a difficult decision.
The affected employees have expressed gratitude for their experiences and the relationships they built, and the remaining team faces the task of moving forward in a challenging environment. The situation remains fluid, and further updates may emerge as Schell Games navigates the next phase of its development pipeline and seeks to stabilize its operations amid an industry that continues to grapple with financial uncertainty.