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 reportedly been forced to reduce its workforce. The news emerged after a series of LinkedIn updates from current and former employees indicated that the company began cutting staff as early as last Friday. The information was first highlighted in a piece by Game Developer, which referenced multiple LinkedIn posts that painted a clear picture of the situation.
One of the most striking messages came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote, "Schell Games experienced its first ever layoffs today," noting that he himself remained employed. He went on to explain the broader context, stating, "This isn’t a result of any individual’s actions. Our sector is currently bleeding heavily, and the impact is being felt across the entire industry and beyond." The cuts were not limited to engineering. Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, also confirmed that members of the marketing team were among those let go, even naming four specific individuals who were affected.
In addition, the senior public‑relations manager at Schell Games shared further details, listing colleagues from the art, design, and visual‑effects departments who were also impacted. By tallying the various announcements, observers estimate that roughly fourteen employees have been separated from the company. Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists its headcount as ranging between 51 and 200 employees, which means the layoffs represent a noticeable percentage of the overall staff.
One of the affected public‑relations managers posted a reflective note, saying, "I won’t pretend this isn’t a disappointing way to close this chapter, especially after nearly six years with the company. Still, I walk away proud of what I achieved during my tenure and deeply grateful for the teammates I got to build with." The timing of these reductions is especially striking given the public stance of Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, who has long spoken out against the practice of laying off employees.
In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell emphasized that the studio separates financial risk from the risk to its workforce. He explained, "At the core of our philosophy is the decision not to jeopardize jobs. We may risk cash when we develop a game, but we never gamble with people’s livelihoods." He continued, "Even if an original title generates no revenue, we have not put any positions in jeopardy – we retain a path forward that allows us to keep our team intact.
In many ways, this is a deliberate choice." The recent layoffs appear to contradict that philosophy, prompting questions about what may have shifted behind the scenes. Industry analysts point to several possible factors. First, the broader video‑game market has been experiencing a slowdown, with many publishers reporting reduced consumer spending and tighter budgets.
This macro‑economic pressure has forced numerous studios, both large and small, to reassess staffing levels and project scopes. Second, the rapid rise of live‑service models and the increasing cost of high‑fidelity production may have placed additional strain on a mid‑size developer like Schell Games. While the studio has a reputation for innovative, narrative‑driven experiences, the financial demands of maintaining a pipeline that supports both original IP and licensed collaborations can be substantial. Third, the shift toward remote work and the proliferation of freelance talent in the industry may have altered how companies allocate resources.
Some firms are opting to contract out specific art or programming tasks rather than maintain a full‑time in‑house roster, which could explain why positions in art, design, and visual effects were among those cut. It is also worth noting that Schell Games has historically balanced commercial contracts—such as educational and corporate training projects—with its own creative endeavors.
Fluctuations in the demand for these services, perhaps due to budget cuts in education or corporate training sectors, could have impacted revenue streams, prompting a reassessment of staffing needs. Despite the layoffs, the studio’s leadership has not yet issued a formal public statement addressing the specific reasons behind the cuts or outlining a plan for moving forward. GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for comment, but as of this writing no response has been received.
The situation underscores a broader trend in the gaming world: even studios that have publicly committed to protecting their employees are not immune to market forces. As the industry continues to evolve, developers must navigate a delicate balance between creative ambition, financial sustainability, and the well‑being of their teams. For the employees who have been let go, the departure marks the end of a significant chapter, but also the beginning of new opportunities in a field that continues to grow and diversify. In the meantime, fans of Schell Games’ titles will be watching closely to see how the studio adapts its development pipeline and whether it can maintain the quality and originality that have defined its brand.
The coming months will likely reveal whether the company can uphold its stated commitment to job security while weathering the current economic headwinds that have left many sectors, including gaming, in a state of hemorrhage.