Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of the hit party game Among Us and for producing the critically acclaimed I Expect You to Die series, has reportedly begun a round of layoffs that has affected a number of its employees. The news surfaced after several staff members posted about the cuts on LinkedIn, prompting coverage by Game Developer and other industry outlets.
The first public indication of the layoffs came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who posted on LinkedIn on a Friday that it was the company’s "first ever layoffs" and that, fortunately, they themselves had not been included in the reductions. The manager added a note of reassurance for colleagues, emphasizing that the decision was not tied to individual performance: "This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do. Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging." Further confirmation arrived from Dwayne Waite Jr., Schell Games’ marketing director, who confirmed that the marketing department was among those impacted and listed four specific employees who were let go. The studio’s senior public‑relations manager also contributed to the discussion, naming several colleagues from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams who were affected.
By tallying the various posts, observers estimate that roughly fourteen staff members have been impacted in total. This figure is notable given that Schell Games lists its workforce size as ranging between 51 and 200 employees on its LinkedIn company page. The public‑relations manager expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride in a follow‑up post, writing, "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." The sentiment reflects a common theme in recent tech and gaming layoffs, where long‑tenured staff members grapple with the emotional impact of sudden job loss while also acknowledging the achievements they helped create.
The layoffs are especially striking because they run counter to the public stance of Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that the studio would never place its employees’ jobs at risk for financial uncertainty.
He explained that while the company might gamble cash on a new title, it would never gamble the livelihoods of its team members. "At the heart of it all is choosing not to put jobs at risk," Schell said. "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." Despite those assurances, the current economic climate appears to have forced the studio’s hand. The broader video‑game industry has been experiencing a slowdown, with many publishers reporting reduced revenue, delayed releases, and a cautious approach to new investments. Analysts point to a combination of factors, including rising development costs, market saturation, and shifting consumer habits, as contributors to what some have described as a "bleeding" industry. This environment has led several mid‑size studios to reassess staffing levels, even those that previously emphasized job security as a core value.
Schell Games, founded in 2002 and based in Pittsburgh, has built a reputation for blending immersive technology with narrative‑driven gameplay. Its portfolio includes a range of virtual‑reality experiences, educational titles, and narrative adventures. The company’s commitment to innovative design has earned it multiple awards and a loyal fan base.
However, the financial pressures facing the sector have made it increasingly difficult for studios of its size to maintain steady headcounts without external funding or blockbuster hits. The impact of the layoffs extends beyond the individuals directly affected. Colleagues who remain at Schell Games may experience increased workloads, uncertainty about future stability, and a shift in team dynamics. Moreover, the broader community—players, partners, and industry observers—will watch closely to see how the studio navigates this transition and whether it can sustain its creative output without compromising quality.
GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for comment on the layoffs and on how the company plans to move forward after the reduction. As of now, no official statement beyond the employee posts has been released. The situation underscores a growing trend in the gaming world, where even studios with strong reputations for employee care are not immune to macro‑economic forces.
In summary, Schell Games’ recent staff reductions highlight the tension between a company’s stated commitment to job security and the harsh realities of a contracting market. While the layoffs affect a relatively small percentage of the overall workforce, they serve as a reminder that the gaming industry’s current financial strain is prompting difficult decisions across the board. The long‑term effects on the studio’s projects, culture, and reputation remain to be seen, but the immediate response from affected employees reflects a mix of disappointment, gratitude, and resilience as they move on to new opportunities.