Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of the viral hit *Among Us* and for producing the critically acclaimed *I Expect You To Die* series, has reportedly begun a round of layoffs affecting a portion of its staff. The news first surfaced in a piece published by *Game Developer*, which highlighted a series of LinkedIn updates from employees who disclosed that the reductions started on the Friday preceding the article. One of those posts came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote, "Schell Games had their first ever layoffs today," and clarified that they themselves had not been included in the cuts.
The engineering manager went on to explain the broader context, stating, "This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do. Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging." The sentiment reflects a growing sense of uncertainty across the video‑game sector, where many companies are grappling with declining revenue streams, rising development costs, and shifting consumer preferences.
Further confirmation came from Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, who acknowledged that the marketing department was among those impacted. He listed four individuals whose positions were eliminated, and the studio’s senior public‑relations manager later added names from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams, painting a clearer picture of the scope of the reductions.
Based on the publicly shared information, it appears that roughly fourteen employees have been let go. While the exact figure may fluctuate as more details emerge, the company’s LinkedIn profile indicates that Schell Games employs somewhere between 51 and 200 people, suggesting that the layoffs represent a modest but significant percentage of the workforce.
One of the affected employees, the senior public‑relations manager, posted a reflective message that captured both disappointment and gratitude. "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 tone of the message underscores the emotional weight that such workforce changes can carry, especially in a creative environment where collaboration and long‑term relationships are integral to success.
The layoffs are particularly striking given the public stance taken by Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, who has historically spoken out against job cuts. 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." Schell further elaborated that even if the studio’s own intellectual property generated no revenue, the company would still aim to preserve its staff, stating, "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." This commitment to employee security has been a hallmark of Schell Games’ corporate culture, making the recent layoffs appear contradictory to the values the company has publicly championed. Industry analysts suggest that the decision may have been forced by external pressures rather than internal policy shifts.
The broader gaming market has been experiencing a slowdown, with several high‑profile titles underperforming and investors tightening their funding criteria. Additionally, rising development costs—particularly for immersive experiences that require sophisticated graphics, physics engines, and cross‑platform compatibility—have placed additional strain on mid‑size studios like Schell Games. The impact of the layoffs extends beyond the individuals directly affected.
When a studio reduces its staff, project timelines can be delayed, and the quality of ongoing work may suffer due to reduced manpower. For Schell Games, which is known for delivering polished, narrative‑driven experiences, maintaining its reputation will require careful resource allocation and possibly a reevaluation of its upcoming development slate. The company’s LinkedIn page still lists a workforce size of 51‑200 employees, but the exact current headcount remains unclear. The public relations manager’s farewell note hints at a period of transition, and it is likely that the studio will be reassessing its strategic priorities in the coming months.
*GamesIndustry.biz* has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment on the layoffs, but as of the time of writing, no response has been received. The situation continues to develop, and observers will be watching closely to see how Schell Games navigates this challenging period while attempting to stay true to its stated commitment to employee stability. In summary, Schell Games—renowned for its innovative contributions to both casual and immersive gaming—has entered a difficult phase marked by its first-ever staff reductions.
The move reflects broader industry turbulence and raises questions about how the studio will balance financial realities with its long‑standing ethos of protecting jobs. The coming weeks will likely reveal whether the company can sustain its creative output and maintain the trust of both its remaining employees and its fan base.