Schell Games, the development 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 begun a wave of staff reductions. The news surfaced after a series of LinkedIn updates from current and former employees indicated that the company started trimming its workforce last Friday.
The initial hint came from a post by the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote, "Schell Games had their first ever layoffs today," and clarified that they themselves were not among those let go. The manager added a somber note, explaining that the cuts were not tied to any personal performance issues: "This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do. Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging." Further confirmation arrived from Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, who disclosed that the marketing department was directly affected and listed four individuals who were part of the layoff. The senior public relations manager at Schell Games also contributed by naming several colleagues from the art, design, and visual effects teams who were impacted.
By tallying the various announcements, observers estimate that roughly fourteen employees have been affected across the organization. The company’s LinkedIn profile indicates a headcount ranging from 51 to 200 staff members, which suggests that the recent cuts represent a noticeable, though not catastrophic, percentage of the total workforce. One of the affected public relations staff members expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride in a heartfelt message: "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 given the public stance of Schell Games’ founder and CEO, Jesse Schell, who has long advocated against job cuts within his organization.
In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell emphasized a philosophy that separates financial risk from employment risk. 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 comments suggested a commitment to protecting his team, even in the face of uncertain revenue streams. However, the recent reductions indicate that external pressures—perhaps a broader industry downturn, shifting market dynamics, or internal financial constraints—have forced the studio to reconsider that approach.
The gaming sector has been experiencing a period of volatility, with many mid‑size developers confronting reduced funding, delayed releases, and heightened competition from larger publishers and emerging indie titles. Industry analysts note that the current climate is marked by a "hemorrhaging" effect, as Schell Games’ engineering manager phrased it, where revenue streams are drying up faster than anticipated.
Factors contributing to this environment include rising development costs, a saturated market for live‑service games, and the lingering impacts of global economic uncertainty. For studios like Schell Games, which balance original IP development with contract work for larger brands, the financial balancing act can become precarious when client projects stall or consumer spending tightens.
The layoffs also raise questions about the future direction of Schell Games’ flagship series. The I Expect You to Die franchise, known for its immersive virtual reality puzzles, has cultivated a dedicated fan base and generated a steady stream of updates and expansions.
Meanwhile, the 3D adaptation of Among Us, a title that leveraged the massive popularity of the original 2D game, represented a strategic move into the broader market of casual, cross‑platform experiences. Whether these projects will continue under the same creative leadership or see a shift in resources remains to be seen. In response to the situation, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for comment, seeking clarification on the underlying reasons for the staff reductions and how they align with the company’s previously stated commitment to job security. No official statement has been released at the time of writing, leaving the community and the affected employees to await further details.
The broader gaming community has reacted with a mix of empathy and concern. Fans of Schell Games’ work have taken to social media to express support for the laid‑off staff, sharing memories of collaborative projects and praising the studio’s contributions to innovative gameplay experiences.
Some industry observers have pointed out that this development may serve as a cautionary tale for other mid‑size studios that have pledged similar anti‑layoff policies, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining such ideals when market conditions become unfavorable. Looking ahead, Schell Games will likely need to reassess its operational model, possibly exploring new revenue streams, partnership opportunities, or cost‑saving measures that do not involve further workforce reductions.
The company’s ability to adapt could determine whether it emerges from this challenging period stronger or whether additional cuts become inevitable. In summary, Schell Games, celebrated for its creative contributions to the gaming landscape, is navigating a turbulent phase marked by its first-ever layoffs. Approximately fourteen employees across engineering, marketing, art, design, and visual effects have been let go, reflecting a broader industry trend of financial strain.
While the studio’s founder has historically championed job security, the current economic reality appears to have forced a reevaluation of that stance. The situation remains fluid, with stakeholders awaiting official comments and hoping for a resolution that preserves the studio’s innovative spirit while safeguarding its talent pool.