Schell Games, the development 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 confirmed that it is cutting staff positions. The news surfaced after several employees posted about the layoffs on LinkedIn, prompting Game Developer to compile the reports and share the details.
The first public indication came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote that the company had conducted its inaugural round of layoffs on a Friday. He emphasized that his own role was not being eliminated, and he added a note of reassurance to his colleagues: "This has happened not because of anything you did or didn’t do.
Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging." The message was echoed by marketing director Dwayne Waite Jr., who confirmed that the marketing department was among those affected. He went on to name four individuals who were part of the reduction. In a separate post, the senior public‑relations manager listed additional names from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams, indicating that the impact was spread across multiple disciplines within the studio. Based on the aggregated LinkedIn updates, the consensus is that roughly fourteen employees have been let go.
Schell Games lists its total workforce on its LinkedIn page as ranging from 51 to 200 people, which means the cuts represent a noticeable percentage of the overall headcount. One of the departing public‑relations staff members expressed a mix of disappointment and pride, writing, "I won’t pretend this isn’t a disappointing way to end this chapter, especially after almost six years. 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 layoffs are particularly striking because they run counter to the public philosophy of the company’s founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell.
In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a firm stance against sacrificing jobs for financial uncertainty. He explained that while the studio is willing to risk cash on a game development project, it strives to keep its employees’ positions secure regardless of a title’s commercial performance. "At the heart of it all is choosing not to put jobs at risk," Schell said. "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 reflect a broader industry conversation about sustainability, especially as the video‑game sector experiences a wave of financial strain.
Over the past year, numerous mid‑size and indie studios have announced layoffs, studio closures, or project cancellations, often citing rising development costs, shifting consumer preferences, and a volatile market for new releases. Analysts describe the current climate as a "hemorrhaging" environment, where revenue streams are under pressure from factors such as inflation, increased competition from live‑service models, and the lingering effects of global supply‑chain disruptions.
For Schell Games, the decision to reduce staff likely involved a complex assessment of cash flow, upcoming project pipelines, and the need to preserve the company’s long‑term viability. While the studio has a reputation for innovative, narrative‑driven experiences that blend physical interaction with digital gameplay, the financial realities of producing high‑quality titles can be unforgiving. The company’s portfolio, which includes collaborations with educational partners and corporate clients, may also be undergoing a strategic review to align resources with the most promising opportunities.
Industry observers note that layoffs, even when they appear to contradict a leader’s stated values, are sometimes unavoidable in a rapidly changing market. The key, according to experts, is transparency and support for affected employees. In this case, Schell Games’ leadership has allowed departing staff to publicly share their experiences, which can help preserve morale among remaining team members and maintain the studio’s reputation as an employer that respects its workforce.
GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for additional comment on the situation, but as of this writing no further response has been received. The unfolding story serves as a reminder that even studios with strong creative visions and dedicated leadership are not immune to the broader economic forces shaping the video‑game industry today.