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 recently been forced to reduce its workforce. The news emerged after several employees posted about the layoffs on LinkedIn, prompting industry outlets such as Game Developer to investigate and confirm the story.
The first public indication of the cuts came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who posted on LinkedIn that Schell Games had carried out its inaugural round of layoffs on a Friday. The manager clarified that they themselves were not among those let go, and they added a note of empathy for their colleagues: “This isn’t a result of any individual’s actions. Our sector is currently bleeding profusely, and the situation extends beyond just gaming.” The marketing department was also hit hard, according to a statement from marketing director Dwayne Waite Jr.
He identified four members of the marketing team who were affected and expressed his disappointment at having to deliver such news to his peers. In addition, the studio’s senior public‑relations manager shared further details, naming several individuals from the art, design, and visual‑effects divisions who were part of the layoff wave.
By tallying the publicly shared names and cross‑referencing the various LinkedIn updates, observers estimate that roughly fourteen employees have been let go. This figure is notable when placed against Schell Games’ own LinkedIn profile, which lists the company’s size as falling somewhere between 51 and 200 staff members. Even at the lower end of that range, a reduction of fourteen people represents a meaningful percentage of the workforce. One of the affected employees, the senior public‑relations manager, posted a reflective farewell message.
They wrote, “I won’t pretend this isn’t a disappointing way to close this chapter, especially after nearly six years with the company. Nevertheless, I leave feeling proud of what I achieved during my tenure and grateful for the teammates who helped me build something special.” The tone of the message underscores a mixture of sorrow and gratitude, a sentiment echoed by many in the gaming community when companies announce sudden staff reductions. The layoffs 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 emphasized that the studio deliberately separates financial risk from employment risk. He explained, “At the core of our philosophy is the decision not to jeopardize anyone’s job.
We may gamble cash when we develop a game, but we never gamble jobs.” He went on to illustrate the principle with a hypothetical scenario: even if the studio’s own intellectual property generated zero revenue, the company would still retain its staff because the decision to keep people employed is a matter of choice, not necessity. Schell’s remarks have been widely cited as an example of a developer putting people first, a stance that resonated with employees and fans alike. The current round of layoffs, therefore, appears to contradict that earlier promise, prompting speculation about the underlying causes. While the company has not released an official financial statement, industry analysts suggest that the broader market conditions may have played a role.
The video‑game sector has been experiencing a prolonged downturn, with many publishers reporting reduced sales, delayed releases, and a tightening of development budgets. This environment has led to what some observers describe as a “hemorrhaging” of talent across the industry, as studios scramble to adjust to lower revenue forecasts. In addition to market pressures, the rapid evolution of technology and consumer preferences may have contributed to the decision.
Schell Games, known for its immersive experiences and innovative use of virtual reality, has been navigating a competitive landscape where new platforms and business models constantly emerge. Maintaining a sizable staff while experimenting with cutting‑edge projects can be financially precarious, especially when external funding or publisher support is uncertain. The response from the broader gaming community has been one of empathy and concern.
Many former employees have taken to social media to thank their colleagues, share memories, and offer support to those who were let go. Industry veterans have also weighed in, noting that while layoffs are never pleasant, they can sometimes serve as a catalyst for talent to spread across the ecosystem, potentially leading to fresh collaborations and new indie ventures. GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for comment on the recent layoffs, seeking clarification on how the company intends to reconcile its earlier public commitment to job security with the current reality.
As of now, no official response has been published, leaving the situation open to further speculation. In summary, Schell Games’ recent workforce reduction reflects a confluence of factors: a challenging economic climate for video‑game developers, the inherent risks of pioneering new interactive experiences, and perhaps an unavoidable need to align staffing levels with current revenue projections.
While the decision runs counter to the CEO’s previously articulated philosophy of safeguarding employment, it underscores the difficulty of maintaining such ideals in a volatile market. The affected employees have expressed both disappointment and pride, highlighting the complex emotions that accompany sudden career changes in a creative industry. The long‑term impact on Schell Games’ projects and culture remains to be seen, but the episode serves as a reminder that even studios with strong reputations for employee care are not immune to the broader forces shaping the gaming world.