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 employees posted about the cuts on LinkedIn, confirming that the layoffs began last Friday and appear to have affected a sizable portion of the team. One of the most striking messages came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote that the company experienced its "first ever layoffs today." The manager emphasized that the decision was not a reflection of any employee’s performance, stating, "This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do.
Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging." The wording underscores a broader trend of financial strain across the video‑game sector, where many developers are grappling with reduced revenues, rising production costs, and a volatile market. Marketing director Dwayne Waite Jr. also used his LinkedIn platform to acknowledge that the marketing department was among those hit by the cuts.
He went further by naming four individuals who were directly impacted. In a separate post, the studio’s senior public relations manager added more names, highlighting that the layoffs touched not only marketing but also the art, design, and visual‑effects teams.
When the various posts are tallied, it appears that roughly fourteen employees have been let go. This number is significant when placed against Schell Games’ own LinkedIn profile, which lists the studio’s size as ranging from 51 to 200 staff members. The public relations manager 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." This sentiment captures the emotional toll that job cuts can have on long‑standing team members, even when the decision is framed as a business necessity.
The timing of these layoffs is particularly noteworthy because Schell Games’ founder and CEO, Jesse Schell, has long positioned himself as an advocate against workforce reductions. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from the risk to 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." Schell’s statements suggest a commitment to protecting staff even during lean periods, making the recent layoffs appear contradictory. It raises questions about whether the market pressures have become so severe that even a company with a strong ethical stance on employment security must adapt. Industry analysts point out that the broader gaming landscape has been experiencing a downturn, with several mid‑size studios announcing similar reductions over the past year.
Factors such as the lingering effects of the pandemic, shifting consumer preferences toward live‑service games, and increased competition from both established publishers and indie developers have all contributed to a tighter financial environment. For Schell Games, the challenge now lies in navigating this turbulent period while staying true to its creative vision.
The studio’s portfolio includes immersive virtual‑reality experiences, narrative‑driven puzzle games, and educational titles that have earned it a reputation for innovative design. Maintaining that level of quality often requires a stable, collaborative team, and the loss of experienced staff can impact project timelines, morale, and the overall creative pipeline. In response to the layoffs, the company has not yet released an official press statement, but GamesIndustry.biz has reached out for comment. Until an official response is provided, the community can only speculate about the specific financial pressures that prompted the cuts.
Some observers suggest that the studio may be reallocating resources toward upcoming projects, possibly focusing on new IP development or expanding existing franchises into emerging platforms such as augmented reality or next‑generation consoles. The broader implications for the industry are also worth noting. Schell Games’ situation serves as a reminder that even studios with strong leadership and a clear ethical stance on employment can be vulnerable to macro‑economic forces.
It underscores the importance for developers to diversify revenue streams, invest in sustainable business models, and perhaps explore alternative funding mechanisms such as early access, subscription services, or strategic partnerships. Employees who have been let go are likely to face the usual challenges of finding new positions in a competitive market.
However, the experience and reputation they built at Schell Games—particularly in cutting‑edge VR and narrative design—should make them attractive candidates for other studios seeking talent with specialized skills. Professional networks, industry events, and online communities will be essential resources for these individuals as they transition to the next phase of their careers.
In summary, Schell Games has announced its first round of layoffs, affecting roughly fourteen members across marketing, art, design, and visual effects. The cuts come despite founder Jesse Schell’s public commitment to safeguarding jobs, highlighting the harsh reality of a gaming industry that is currently "hemorrhaging" resources.
While the studio has yet to issue a formal comment, the situation reflects broader market pressures and serves as a cautionary tale for other mid‑size developers navigating an uncertain financial landscape.