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* puzzle‑adventure series, has confirmed that it is cutting staff members. The news first surfaced in a piece published by Game Developer, which highlighted a series of LinkedIn updates from employees who began sharing details of the layoffs starting last Friday. One of the first messages to surface came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who posted, "Schell Games experienced its inaugural round of layoffs today." The manager clarified that they themselves were not among those whose positions were terminated.
In the same post, they added a broader perspective on the situation: "This isn’t a result of any individual actions. Our sector is currently bleeding profusely, and the impact is being felt far beyond just gaming." The ripple effect of the cuts was further confirmed by Dwayne Waite Jr., the company’s marketing director.
Waite publicly acknowledged that the marketing department was among those affected and went on to name four colleagues who were losing their jobs. Adding to the picture, the studio’s senior public relations manager posted additional names, revealing that the layoffs also reached the art, design, and visual‑effects teams.
From the information gathered across the various LinkedIn posts, industry observers estimate that roughly fourteen employees have been let go. This figure represents a noticeable portion of Schell Games’ workforce, which according to the company’s own LinkedIn profile, ranges between 51 and 200 staff members. The public relations manager, who chose to remain anonymous regarding their own employment status, expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride in a reflective comment: "I won’t pretend this isn’t a disappointing way to end this chapter, especially after almost six years with the company.
Yet I walk away feeling proud of what I accomplished during my time here, and I’m deeply grateful for the people I got to build with." The timing of these layoffs is striking because it runs counter to the public stance that Jesse Schell, the founder and chief executive officer of Schell Games, has long taken against workforce reductions. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from the risk to employees.
He explained, "At the core of our approach is the decision not to jeopardize jobs. We are willing to put cash on the line when we develop a game, but we draw a line at putting people’s livelihoods at risk." He continued, "Even if our own intellectual property generates no revenue, we have not compromised anyone’s job security. There remains a path forward that allows us to retain our team.
In many ways, it’s a matter of choice." The recent layoffs therefore raise questions about how the company’s stated principles align with the current economic pressures it faces. While Schell Games has not issued an official comment on the recent reductions, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out for a statement and is awaiting a response.
The broader context of the gaming industry also helps to explain why a studio like Schell Games might find itself in this position. Over the past several years, the sector has experienced a series of financial shocks, ranging from the fallout of over‑hyped releases that failed to meet sales expectations, to macro‑economic trends that have tightened advertising budgets and reduced discretionary spending on entertainment. These forces have contributed to a climate that many observers describe as a "bleeding" or "hemorrhaging" industry, where even well‑established developers must adapt quickly to shifting market dynamics. For Schell Games, a company that has built a reputation for innovative, narrative‑driven experiences, the challenge is twofold.
First, the studio must balance the need to invest in new IPs and technology with the imperative to keep its operational costs sustainable. Second, it must navigate the expectations of a community that has come to associate the brand with a certain level of job security, thanks to Jesse Schell’s public commitments. Industry analysts suggest that the layoffs could be part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at streamlining the studio’s pipeline, focusing resources on high‑potential projects, or perhaps preparing for a strategic partnership or acquisition. Some insiders speculate that the company may be reallocating talent to concentrate on its most profitable titles, while letting go of roles that are deemed non‑essential under the current financial outlook.
Regardless of the underlying reasons, the impact on the affected employees is tangible. Many of those named in the LinkedIn posts have spent years contributing to the studio’s creative output, building a portfolio that includes award‑winning titles and immersive experiences for both consumer and educational markets.
The loss of these positions not only affects the individuals’ livelihoods but also removes a layer of institutional knowledge that has helped shape Schell Games’ distinctive voice in the industry. Looking ahead, the remaining staff will likely face a period of uncertainty as they adjust to a leaner organization.
The company’s leadership will need to communicate clearly about the strategic direction, reassure remaining employees about job stability, and possibly re‑evaluate project timelines to reflect the reduced headcount. In summary, Schell Games has entered a difficult phase marked by its first-ever layoffs, affecting an estimated fourteen workers across multiple departments.
The move appears at odds with the CEO’s previously articulated commitment to protecting jobs, prompting speculation about the financial pressures the studio is confronting. While the full story is still unfolding and official comments from Schell Games are pending, the episode underscores the volatile nature of the gaming industry and the challenges even well‑respected developers face in maintaining both creative ambition and fiscal responsibility.