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 recently been forced to reduce its workforce. Multiple LinkedIn updates from current employees, reported by Game Developer, indicate that the cutbacks began late last week and have already affected a notable portion of the team. The first public acknowledgment came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who posted that Schell Games experienced its inaugural round of layoffs on a Friday.
He clarified that he himself was not among those let go, emphasizing that the decision was not tied to any personal performance issues. "This isn’t a result of any individual actions.
Our sector is currently bleeding heavily," he wrote, echoing a sentiment that many in the broader gaming industry have expressed amid a wave of financial uncertainty. The impact extended beyond engineering.
Marketing director Dwayne Waite Jr. confirmed that members of the marketing department were also part of the reduction, listing four specific individuals whose positions were eliminated.
In addition, the studio’s senior public relations manager added names from the art, design, and visual effects divisions, suggesting that the layoffs touched a variety of disciplines across the company. Based on the information shared publicly, it appears that roughly fourteen employees have been affected.
Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists its staff size as ranging from 51 to 200 people, meaning that the recent cuts represent a noticeable percentage of its total headcount. The public relations manager, reflecting on the experience, wrote, "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." These layoffs are particularly striking given the outspoken stance of Schell Games’ founder and CEO, Jesse Schell, who has long argued against job cuts as a business strategy.
In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell explained that the studio separates financial risk from the risk to its employees. He said, "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." The contrast between Schell’s public philosophy and the current reality has sparked discussion within the industry. Many observers note that the broader market environment—characterized by rising development costs, shifting consumer preferences, and a slowdown in funding—has put pressure on even the most well‑managed studios.
While Schell Games has historically relied on a diversified portfolio that includes educational titles, immersive experiences, and mainstream entertainment, the recent downturn appears to have forced a reassessment of staffing levels. Industry analysts suggest several factors that may have contributed to the decision. First, the post‑pandemic correction has seen a dip in consumer spending on games, particularly in the mid‑tier segment where many of Schell Games’ products sit.
Second, the competitive landscape for immersive and VR experiences has intensified, with larger publishers entering the space and driving up the cost of talent acquisition and retention. Third, the shift toward live‑service models and continual content updates demands a different allocation of resources, often favoring smaller, more flexible teams over larger, traditional development structures. In response to the layoffs, former employees have taken to social media to express both disappointment and support for their colleagues. Many highlighted the studio’s collaborative culture, its emphasis on creative problem‑solving, and the personal growth opportunities it provided.
Some former staff members have already begun exploring new opportunities within the industry, leveraging the experience they gained at Schell Games to secure roles in other studios, startups, or even independent projects. The situation also raises questions about the future direction of Schell Games.
While the company has not issued an official statement beyond the individual LinkedIn posts, the leadership’s previous commitment to protecting jobs suggests that the current cuts may be a temporary measure aimed at stabilizing finances. It remains to be seen whether the studio will pursue new partnerships, pivot toward different genres, or explore alternative revenue streams such as licensing or educational contracts to rebuild its workforce. GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for comment on the layoffs and the apparent divergence from Jesse Schell’s earlier assurances.
As of now, no response has been received. The broader gaming community will be watching closely to see how Schell Games navigates this challenging period and whether it can uphold its reputation for innovative, employee‑friendly practices while adapting to the harsh economic realities of today’s market.