Schell Games, the development 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 reportedly been forced to reduce its workforce. The news emerged after a series of LinkedIn posts from current and former employees detailed the layoffs that began late last week.
The initial report came from Game Developer, which cited multiple LinkedIn updates that painted a clear picture of a company grappling with difficult financial realities. One of the most striking messages was posted 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 went on to emphasize that the cuts were not a reflection of individual performance, stating, "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 acknowledged that the marketing department was directly impacted and even named four colleagues who were affected. In addition, the senior public relations manager at Schell Games shared additional names from the art, design, and visual effects teams, underscoring that the reductions spanned multiple disciplines within the studio. Based on the publicly shared information, it appears that roughly fourteen employees have been laid off. This figure is notable when compared with the company’s own LinkedIn profile, which lists its headcount as falling somewhere between 51 and 200 staff members.
For a studio of that size, a reduction of fourteen people represents a significant percentage of the workforce, especially given that Schell Games has historically prided itself on stability and employee well‑being. One of the affected employees, the senior public relations manager, expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride in a heartfelt post. "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." This sentiment captures the bittersweet nature of the situation: while the layoffs are undeniably painful, many of those departing feel a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the collaborative experiences they shared.
The layoffs are especially surprising given the public stance that Schell Games’ founder and CEO, Jesse Schell, has taken on the issue of job security. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated 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 remarks suggested a commitment to protecting staff even during lean periods, making the recent cuts appear contradictory. However, industry observers note that the broader video‑game sector has been experiencing a prolonged downturn, with many publishers and developers reporting reduced revenues, delayed releases, and shrinking budgets. This macro‑economic pressure has forced even the most well‑intentioned studios to reconsider staffing levels in order to stay afloat. The current situation at Schell Games also reflects a larger trend of consolidation and cost‑cutting across the interactive entertainment landscape.
Over the past year, several mid‑size studios have announced layoffs, studio closures, or mergers as they attempt to navigate a market that is increasingly dominated by blockbuster titles and live‑service models. Smaller developers, particularly those that rely on episodic releases or niche audiences, often find themselves vulnerable when consumer spending shifts toward larger, more established franchises. For Schell Games, the impact of these layoffs may be multifaceted. On the one hand, reducing headcount can lower operational expenses and provide immediate financial relief.
On the other hand, it can disrupt ongoing projects, delay development timelines, and potentially affect morale among the remaining staff. The studio’s reputation for innovative, narrative‑driven experiences could be at risk if key creative talent is lost. In response to the situation, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for comment, seeking clarification on how the company plans to move forward and whether additional reductions might be on the horizon. As of now, no official statement has been released beyond the employee‑shared posts.
Looking ahead, the future of Schell Games will likely depend on its ability to secure new publishing deals, diversify its revenue streams, and perhaps explore emerging platforms such as virtual reality or augmented reality, areas where the studio has previously demonstrated expertise. If the company can leverage its strong brand and creative pedigree, it may be able to weather this downturn and emerge with a more sustainable business model. In the meantime, the affected employees are navigating the transition with a mixture of resilience and optimism. Many have expressed gratitude for the opportunities they received and are already exploring new roles within the broader gaming ecosystem, where their experience with high‑quality, immersive experiences is highly valued.
The episode serves as a sobering reminder that even studios with a clear commitment to employee security are not immune to the broader forces shaping the industry. As the market continues to evolve, companies will need to balance financial prudence with the cultural values that attract top talent, ensuring that they can both survive and thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.