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 initiated a round of staff reductions. The news surfaced after several employees posted about the layoffs on LinkedIn, a development that was first highlighted in a report by Game Developer. One of the earliest posts came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote that the company experienced its "first ever layoffs" on a Friday.
The manager clarified that they themselves were not among those let go and emphasized that the cuts were not tied to any individual performance issues. "This isn’t a result of anything you did or didn’t do. Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging," the post read, underscoring the broader market pressures affecting many game developers. The marketing division also felt the impact.
Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, confirmed that members of his team were among those dismissed and went on to name four specific employees who were affected. In addition, the senior public relations manager at Schell Games shared further details, listing colleagues from the art, design, and visual effects departments who were also part of the reduction.
Based on the collective LinkedIn updates, it appears that roughly fourteen individuals have been impacted by the layoffs. While the exact number of employees at Schell Games is not publicly disclosed, the company’s LinkedIn profile indicates a headcount somewhere between 51 and 200 staff members, suggesting that the cuts represent a noticeable but not catastrophic percentage of the workforce. One of the affected employees, the senior public relations manager, expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride in a reflective post.
"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 captures the bittersweet nature of involuntary departures in a creative industry where personal relationships often run deep. The timing of the layoffs is particularly striking given the public stance of 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’ 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 remarks suggested a commitment to preserving staff even in the face of financial uncertainty, a pledge that now appears to be in tension with the recent workforce reductions. The discrepancy between the CEO’s earlier statements and the current reality has prompted speculation about the underlying causes of the cuts. Industry analysts point to several possible factors, including the lingering effects of the post‑pandemic market slowdown, increased competition for consumer attention, and the rising costs associated with developing high‑quality immersive experiences. The broader gaming sector has been experiencing a wave of layoffs and studio closures over the past year, as publishers and developers grapple with shifting consumer habits, rising production budgets, and the pressure to deliver live‑service models that generate ongoing revenue.
Schell Games, which has traditionally focused on educational and experiential titles, may be feeling the ripple effects of these macro‑economic trends. The company’s portfolio, while innovative, operates in niche markets that can be more vulnerable to budget tightening than mainstream blockbuster franchises. Despite the setback, many observers remain optimistic about Schell Games’ long‑term prospects.
The studio’s reputation for inventive gameplay, strong narrative design, and a commitment to learning‑based experiences continues to earn it accolades from educators, museums, and entertainment venues. Moreover, the company’s existing partnerships with major brands and institutions could provide a foundation for future projects that help stabilize revenue streams.
In the wake of the layoffs, former employees have taken to social media to thank their colleagues, share memories of collaborative projects, and express hope for new opportunities. Some have hinted at the possibility of forming independent studios or consulting ventures that leverage the unique skill sets honed at Schell Games. This entrepreneurial spirit is not uncommon in the industry, where talent often migrates to start‑ups or joins other established developers seeking fresh creative input.
GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment on the layoffs and the apparent shift from the CEO’s earlier public assurances. As of now, no response has been published, leaving the community to await clarification on how the studio plans to navigate the current financial headwinds while staying true to its mission of creating engaging, educational experiences. In summary, Schell Games’ recent staff reductions reflect a challenging period for the broader gaming ecosystem, where even studios with strong creative track records are not immune to economic pressures.
While the layoffs affect a relatively small portion of the company’s workforce, they underscore the fragile balance between artistic ambition and financial viability that many developers must manage. The hope among former staff and industry watchers alike is that the studio will emerge from this turbulence with a renewed focus, preserving its core values and continuing to deliver the innovative experiences that have defined its brand.