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 reportedly initiated a round of layoffs affecting a number of its employees. The news emerged after multiple staff members posted about the cuts on LinkedIn, a development that was first highlighted by Game Developer magazine. One of the first public mentions came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who shared that the layoffs began on a Friday and marked the first time Schell Games had ever needed to reduce its workforce.
The manager emphasized that the decision was not a reflection of individual performance, stating, “This isn’t a result of anything you did or didn’t do. Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging.” The impact of the reductions was further confirmed by Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, who disclosed that members of the marketing team were among those let go and even named four specific individuals who were affected. Additional information was provided by the senior public relations manager, who listed several colleagues from the art, design, and visual‑effects departments who were also part of the layoff wave.
Based on the collective LinkedIn posts, it appears that roughly fourteen employees have been impacted. Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile indicates that the company’s total headcount falls somewhere between 51 and 200 staff members, meaning the cuts represent a noticeable, though not massive, percentage of the overall workforce.
One of the affected employees, the senior public relations manager, 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.” This sentiment underscores the emotional toll that such corporate decisions can have on long‑standing team members, even when the layoffs are framed as a necessary business move. The layoffs are particularly striking given the public stance taken by Schell Games’ founder and CEO, Jesse Schell, who has long advocated against cutting jobs. 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.” Despite these assurances, the current economic climate in the gaming sector appears to have forced the studio’s hand. Industry analysts have noted that the broader market has been experiencing a slowdown, with many publishers and developers reporting reduced revenue streams, tighter budgets, and a general contraction in hiring.
This environment has led to what insiders are calling a “hemorrhaging” of talent, as studios scramble to align their cost structures with uncertain future earnings. For Schell Games, the decision to lay off staff may reflect a strategic pivot aimed at preserving the company’s long‑term viability. By reducing payroll expenses, the studio can allocate more resources toward core development projects, maintain cash flow, and potentially avoid more drastic measures such as studio closure or the sale of intellectual property.
However, the move also risks eroding morale among remaining employees and could impact the studio’s ability to deliver on upcoming titles if critical skill sets have been diminished. The reaction from the gaming community has been mixed. Some fans expressed sympathy for the displaced workers, sharing supportive messages and offering to help those affected find new opportunities.
Others questioned how a company that publicly champions job security could end up in a situation where cuts were unavoidable. The discourse highlights a broader tension within the industry: the balance between creative ambition, financial stewardship, and the well‑being of the people who bring games to life. As of now, Schell Games has not issued an official statement beyond the employee‑shared posts, and GamesIndustry.biz’s request for comment remains unanswered.
Observers will be watching closely to see how the studio navigates the aftermath of these layoffs, whether it will adjust its development pipeline, seek additional funding, or explore partnerships to stabilize its operations. In summary, Schell Games, known for its innovative contributions to both casual and immersive gaming experiences, has entered a period of workforce reduction that affects roughly fourteen members of its team. While the layoffs contradict the company’s previously articulated commitment to protecting jobs, they appear to be a response to the broader financial pressures facing the gaming industry today.
The long‑term effects on the studio’s culture, project timelines, and market position remain to be seen, but the situation serves as a stark reminder of the volatility that even well‑established developers can encounter in a rapidly evolving market.