Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of Among Us and for the critically acclaimed I Expect You to Die franchise, has reportedly begun a round of staff reductions. The news first surfaced in a piece published by Game Developer, which cited a series of LinkedIn updates from employees who disclosed that the layoffs started on a Friday earlier this week. One of the first posts came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote, “Schell Games experienced its inaugural layoffs today.” The manager clarified that they themselves were not among those whose positions were terminated. They added a candid note explaining the broader context: “This isn’t a result of any individual’s actions.
Our sector is currently bleeding profusely, and the impact is being felt far beyond just gaming.” The cuts were further confirmed by marketing director Dwayne Waite Jr., who indicated that the marketing department was among those affected. He went on to list four specific colleagues who were let go. In a separate comment, the senior public‑relations manager for the studio shared additional names from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams, painting a picture of a cross‑functional reduction that touched multiple creative and support areas within the company. Based on the aggregate of these LinkedIn posts, industry observers estimate that roughly fourteen employees have been impacted by the layoffs.
This figure is noteworthy when compared with Schell Games’ own LinkedIn profile, which lists the studio’s headcount as ranging between 51 and 200 staff members. Even at the lower end of that spectrum, the loss of fourteen positions represents a significant percentage of the workforce. The public‑relations manager expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride in a reflective comment: “I won’t pretend this isn’t a disappointing way to end this chapter, especially after almost six years.” Yet they also emphasized a sense of accomplishment, stating, “I’m walking away proud of what I achieved during my time with the company, and I’m grateful for the people I got to build with.” This sentiment underscores the personal impact that such corporate decisions can have on long‑standing employees.
The timing of these layoffs is particularly striking given the public stance that Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, has taken on the subject 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.” He continued, “Even if our own intellectual property generates zero revenue, we still haven’t jeopardized any jobs – we still have a path forward that allows us to keep people on board. In many ways, it’s a choice.” The apparent contradiction between Schell’s stated commitment to protecting staff and the recent layoffs has prompted further inquiry. GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for comment, seeking clarification on how the company reconciles its earlier assurances with the current reality. Industry analysts note that the broader video‑game sector has been experiencing a turbulent period, with many developers facing revenue shortfalls, shifting consumer preferences, and the lingering effects of a post‑pandemic market correction.
These macro‑economic pressures have led to a wave of layoffs across the industry, often described as a “hemorrhaging” of talent. Schell Games’ situation appears to be part of this larger trend, despite the studio’s reputation for innovative, narrative‑driven experiences. For the employees who were let go, the transition can be challenging.
Many in the creative field rely on project‑based contracts and freelance work, making sudden job loss particularly destabilizing. However, the public‑relations manager’s comment about walking away proud suggests that some departing staff may leverage their experience at Schell Games to secure new opportunities, whether in indie development, larger studios, or adjacent fields such as immersive technology and education.
Looking ahead, Schell Games has not released an official statement outlining its future hiring plans or strategic adjustments. The studio’s portfolio, which includes educational titles and immersive experiences for museums and corporate clients, may provide diversified revenue streams that could mitigate the impact of a single commercial failure.
Nonetheless, the recent layoffs serve as a reminder that even well‑established developers are not immune to the financial volatility that characterizes the modern gaming landscape. In summary, Schell Games’ first ever round of layoffs has affected an estimated fourteen employees across engineering, marketing, art, design, and visual‑effects disciplines. The cuts come amid a broader industry downturn and appear to conflict with the CEO’s previously expressed commitment to safeguarding jobs. As the situation develops, stakeholders—including remaining staff, former employees, and industry watchers—will be watching closely to see how the studio navigates this challenging period and whether it can uphold its creative vision while stabilizing its workforce.