Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of Among Us and for the critically acclaimed I Expect You to Die series, has reportedly begun a round of staff reductions. The news surfaced after several employees posted about the layoffs on LinkedIn, prompting coverage by Game Developer and other industry outlets. The first public indication of the cuts came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who posted on LinkedIn that the company had conducted its "first ever layoffs" on a Friday.
The manager emphasized that the decision was not tied to any personal performance issues, stating, "This isn’t a result of any individual’s actions. Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging." The wording suggests that broader market pressures, rather than internal shortcomings, drove the move. Further confirmation arrived from Dwayne Waite Jr., Schell Games’ marketing director, who disclosed that the marketing department was among those affected.
He identified four specific colleagues who were let go, adding a personal touch to the otherwise corporate‑sounding announcement. In addition, the studio’s senior public relations manager contributed a longer list of names, spanning the art, design, and visual effects teams. When the details were compiled, it appeared that roughly fourteen employees had been impacted across multiple disciplines. The company’s LinkedIn profile lists its headcount as ranging between 51 and 200 employees, which means the layoffs represent a small but noticeable percentage of the overall workforce.
The public relations manager, who also posted about the situation, expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride. "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." These developments are particularly striking given the public stance taken by Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, on the subject of job security.
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." Schell’s comments reflect a broader industry conversation about sustainable development practices, especially as many studios grapple with fluctuating revenue streams, rising production costs, and shifting consumer preferences. The gaming sector has faced a series of economic headwinds over the past few years, including the fallout from the pandemic‑induced boom, the subsequent market correction, and ongoing concerns about funding for mid‑size developers. These macro‑economic forces have led to a wave of layoffs, studio closures, and restructuring across the board, affecting companies of all sizes.
For Schell Games, the timing of the cuts raises questions about how the studio plans to navigate the current financial climate while staying true to its creative vision. The company has built a reputation for innovative, narrative‑driven experiences that blend physical interaction with digital gameplay. Its portfolio includes not only the popular Among Us 3D adaptation but also immersive VR titles that challenge players to solve puzzles and complete missions in highly detailed environments. Maintaining such a pipeline of high‑quality content typically requires a stable, multidisciplinary team, making any reduction in staff a potentially delicate balancing act.
Industry analysts suggest that the layoffs may be a proactive measure to streamline operations and preserve cash flow, rather than an indication of imminent failure. By trimming a modest portion of its workforce, Schell Games could be aiming to reduce overhead costs while continuing to invest in core projects that have proven commercial viability. This approach aligns with the philosophy expressed by Jesse Schell, who appears to view layoffs as a last resort but acknowledges that strategic downsizing can sometimes be necessary to protect the long‑term health of the company.
The reaction from the broader gaming community has been mixed. Some fans expressed sympathy for the affected employees, highlighting the personal impact of such decisions on individuals who have contributed to beloved games. Others pointed out that the industry as a whole must adapt to new economic realities, emphasizing the importance of flexible business models, diversified revenue streams, and prudent financial planning. As of now, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment on the layoffs, but a response has not yet been published.
The lack of an immediate statement leaves room for speculation about the studio’s future direction, upcoming projects, and whether additional workforce adjustments might be on the horizon. In summary, Schell Games’ recent staff reductions reflect a broader trend of financial tightening within the gaming sector.
While the company’s leadership has historically championed job security, the current market environment appears to have forced a reconsideration of that stance. The affected employees have voiced both disappointment and gratitude, underscoring the human side of corporate restructuring.
As the industry continues to evolve, studios like Schell Games will need to balance creative ambition with fiscal responsibility, navigating a landscape that is, as the layoffs announcement put it, "hemorrhaging" across the board.