Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of the wildly popular social deduction game Among Us and for producing the critically acclaimed I Expect You To Die series, has reportedly been forced to reduce its workforce. The news emerged after a series of LinkedIn posts from current and former employees detailed a wave of layoffs that began late last week.
According to coverage from Game Developer, several staff members used the professional networking site to share personal accounts of the cuts. One of the first to speak out was the studio’s principal engineering manager, who posted that the company had carried out its inaugural round of layoffs on a Friday. The manager clarified that they themselves had not been dismissed, but they were delivering the unfortunate news to their colleagues.
The manager’s message emphasized that the layoffs were not the result of any personal failings or performance issues. "This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do. Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging," the post read, underscoring the broader economic pressures facing the video‑game sector and related creative industries. Further confirmation came from Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, who identified members of the marketing team among those affected and listed four individuals who were let go.
In addition, the senior public‑relations manager at Schell Games posted a separate update that named several colleagues from the art, design, and visual‑effects departments who were also impacted by the downsizing. Based on the aggregate of these LinkedIn updates, it appears that roughly fourteen employees have been separated from the company.
This figure is notable given that Schell Games’ own LinkedIn profile indicates a headcount ranging from 51 to 200 staff members, suggesting that the cuts represent a meaningful proportion of the overall workforce. The public‑relations manager also offered a reflective note on the experience, 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 sentiment captures a mixture of sadness over the abrupt ending and gratitude for the collaborative achievements made during their tenure. The layoffs are particularly striking because they run counter to the public stance historically taken by Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell.
In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separated financial risk from the risk to employees’ jobs. He explained that while the studio might gamble cash on the development of a new title, it would never gamble the livelihoods of its staff. "At the heart of it all is choosing not to put jobs at risk," Schell said during that interview. "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 recent reductions therefore raise questions about the pressures that have forced the studio to deviate from its previously stated commitment. While Schell Games has not yet issued an official statement addressing the layoffs, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out for comment and is awaiting a response. Industry analysts point out that the broader gaming market has been experiencing a slowdown, with several high‑profile publishers announcing budget cuts, project delays, and workforce reductions over the past year.
Factors such as rising development costs, shifting consumer preferences toward live‑service models, and macro‑economic uncertainty have created a challenging environment for mid‑size studios like Schell Games, which often balance innovative, narrative‑driven projects with the need to maintain financial stability. For the employees affected, the transition can be especially difficult. Many of the individuals named in the LinkedIn posts have spent several years at the studio, contributing to flagship titles that have earned both commercial success and critical praise.
The loss of a stable position in a creative field can have ripple effects on personal finances, professional networks, and future career prospects. In response to similar situations, some studios have offered severance packages, outplacement services, or assistance with job placement in the broader industry. It remains unclear whether Schell Games has provided any such support to the departing staff, as no details have been disclosed publicly. The situation also highlights the importance of transparency and communication during periods of organizational change.
Employees who receive early or clear information about the company’s financial health and strategic direction may be better prepared to navigate unexpected layoffs. Conversely, abrupt announcements—especially those that contradict previously stated company values—can erode trust and morale among remaining staff. Looking ahead, the future of Schell Games will likely depend on how it adapts to the current market realities while attempting to retain its core talent pool. The studio’s reputation for innovative gameplay and immersive storytelling remains strong, and there is potential for new partnerships, publishing deals, or diversified revenue streams to help stabilize its operations.
For now, the focus remains on supporting the individuals who have been let go and ensuring that the remaining team can continue to deliver the high‑quality experiences that have defined Schell Games’ brand. The episode serves as a sobering reminder that even well‑established studios are not immune to the financial headwinds sweeping the gaming industry today.