Schell Games, the development studio best known for collaborating on the three‑dimensional version of the hit party game Among Us and for creating the critically acclaimed I Expect You To Die series, has recently been forced to reduce its workforce. According to a story published by Game Developer, a number of employees posted on LinkedIn about the layoffs that began on Friday, providing a glimpse into the scale and emotional impact of the cuts. The first public acknowledgment came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote, “Schell Games had their first ever layoffs today.” The manager clarified that they themselves were not among those let go, emphasizing that the decision was not tied to any personal performance issues. They added, “This isn’t a result of any individual’s actions.
Our sector is currently bleeding heavily, and the effects are being felt far beyond just gaming.” The news was corroborated by the studio’s marketing director, Dwayne Waite Jr., who confirmed that the reductions also touched the marketing department. He went on to name four specific colleagues who were affected, signaling the personal nature of the announcement. In addition, the senior public relations manager at Schell Games shared further details, listing names from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams who were part of the layoff wave.
Based on the information gathered from the various LinkedIn posts, it appears that roughly fourteen employees have been impacted. This figure is notable given that Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists its total headcount as ranging between 51 and 200 staff members, meaning the cuts represent a non‑trivial percentage of the studio’s overall workforce. One of the affected employees, the senior 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,” 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 reflects a common theme among tech and creative industries: while layoffs are painful, many departing employees choose to focus on the positive contributions they made and the relationships they forged. The layoffs are particularly striking because they come at a time when Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, has publicly positioned the studio as an anti‑layoff organization. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell emphasized a philosophy that separates financial risk from the risk to employees’ jobs. He stated, “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.” He continued, “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 remarks suggest a commitment to preserving employment even in financially turbulent periods, a stance that resonated with many in the industry who have seen waves of downsizing across studios of all sizes.
However, the reality of the current market appears to have forced the studio into a difficult decision that contradicts that earlier promise. The broader gaming industry has been experiencing a downturn, with many publishers reporting reduced revenue, delayed projects, and a general tightening of budgets. This environment has led to a “hemorrhaging” effect, as described by the engineering manager, where companies are compelled to cut costs quickly to stay solvent.
The situation at Schell Games underscores a larger trend: even studios that have historically prioritized employee stability are not immune to macro‑economic pressures. Analysts point to several contributing factors, including rising development costs, increased competition from both established publishers and indie developers, and shifting consumer preferences toward live‑service models and free‑to‑play titles.
These dynamics have created a challenging landscape for mid‑size studios that rely on a mix of contract work, original IP development, and partnerships with larger publishers. In response to the layoffs, industry observers have called for greater transparency around the financial health of game studios and more robust safety nets for workers. Some suggest that studios could explore alternative cost‑saving measures, such as reduced work hours, temporary salary adjustments, or profit‑sharing arrangements, before resorting to outright terminations. Others argue that the rapid pace of technological change—particularly the rise of virtual reality, augmented reality, and immersive experiences—requires studios to be agile, sometimes at the expense of workforce stability.
While GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment on the recent cuts, no response has been published at the time of writing. The lack of a direct statement leaves many questions unanswered: How will the studio’s ongoing projects be affected?
What support, if any, is being offered to the departing employees? And how will this decision shape the company’s culture and reputation moving forward? For the employees who remain, the path ahead will likely involve a period of adjustment as teams reorganize to cover the responsibilities of those who have left. It may also present an opportunity for remaining staff to take on new roles, develop additional skills, and contribute to a leaner, potentially more resilient organization.
Historically, studios that have weathered similar storms often emerge with a clearer focus on core competencies and a renewed commitment to sustainable growth. In summary, Schell Games’ recent layoffs reflect the harsh reality that even studios with strong leadership philosophies and a track record of employee advocacy can be forced to make difficult personnel decisions when faced with industry‑wide financial strain.
The fourteen individuals who were let go will carry forward the experience and expertise they gained at the studio, while the remaining team members will need to navigate a changed internal landscape. As the gaming sector continues to evolve, the balance between financial prudence and employee security remains a delicate and ongoing conversation.