Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of the hit party game Among Us and for developing the critically acclaimed I Expect You to Die series, has reportedly initiated a round of staff reductions. The news emerged after a series of LinkedIn updates from current and former employees began to surface, indicating that the layoffs started on a Friday earlier this week. The information was first highlighted in a report by Game Developer, which cited multiple posts on the professional networking site.
One of those posts came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who announced, "Schell Games had their first ever layoffs today," while also noting that they themselves were not among those let go. The manager added a poignant comment that resonated with many in the industry: "This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do.
Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging." Further confirmation came from Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, who corroborated that the cuts affected members of the marketing team. He went on to name four individuals who were directly impacted.
In addition, the senior public relations manager at Schell Games shared a longer list of names, revealing that the reductions spanned the art, design, and visual effects departments as well. Based on the aggregate of these posts, observers estimate that roughly fourteen employees have been affected by the layoffs.
This figure is notable given that Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists the company’s headcount as ranging between 51 and 200 staff members. In other words, the cuts represent a non‑trivial percentage of the studio’s workforce. One of the employees who posted about the experience, the senior public relations manager, expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride.
"I won't pretend this isn't a disappointing way to end this chapter, especially after almost six years," they wrote. "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 underscores the emotional weight of such transitions, especially in a creative environment where collaboration and long‑term relationships are central to the work. The layoffs are particularly striking in light of the public stance that Schell Games’ founder and CEO, Jesse Schell, has taken on the subject of job security. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell emphasized a philosophy that separates financial risk from the risk to employees.
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 staff even during periods of financial uncertainty, a principle that has now been called into question by the recent reductions. The discrepancy between the stated policy and the actual outcome has prompted speculation about the underlying factors driving the decision.
Industry analysts point to a broader trend of financial strain across the gaming sector, with many mid‑size studios grappling with rising development costs, shifting consumer preferences, and the volatility of publishing deals. The timing of the layoffs also coincides with a challenging macro‑economic environment. Inflationary pressures, tighter credit markets, and a slowdown in discretionary spending have all contributed to a climate where studios must tighten budgets and reassess staffing levels. For a studio like Schell Games, which balances original intellectual property with contract work for larger publishers, the need to remain agile can sometimes result in difficult personnel decisions.
While the company has not released an official statement beyond the employee posts, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out for comment from Schell Games and its leadership. As of now, no response has been publicly disclosed.
The lack of a formal corporate announcement leaves room for speculation and underscores the importance of transparent communication during periods of organizational change. The broader community reaction has been one of empathy and concern. Many fellow developers and fans have taken to social media to express support for the affected employees, highlighting the tight‑knit nature of the indie and mid‑tier development ecosystem.
Some have offered to connect laid‑off staff with freelance opportunities or open positions at other studios, reflecting a culture of mutual assistance that often emerges during industry downturns. In the wake of the layoffs, the remaining staff at Schell Games face the challenge of maintaining momentum on ongoing projects while navigating the emotional impact of seeing colleagues depart. The studio’s upcoming slate includes continued support for the I Expect You to Die franchise, as well as potential new collaborations that may leverage their expertise in immersive, narrative‑driven experiences. How the company reallocates resources and redefines its development pipeline will be closely watched by both investors and the gaming press.
Ultimately, the situation at Schell Games serves as a microcosm of the larger pressures confronting the video game industry today. It illustrates how even studios with a clear public commitment to employee stability can be forced to make tough choices when market conditions shift dramatically.
For the individuals directly affected, the transition may open new doors, whether through independent ventures, roles at other studios, or entirely different career paths. For the industry as a whole, the episode reinforces the need for sustainable business models, diversified revenue streams, and proactive communication strategies to mitigate the human cost of economic turbulence.