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* puzzle‑action series, has reportedly initiated a round of layoffs that has sent ripples through its community and the broader gaming sector. The news broke after Game Developer magazine cited a series of LinkedIn updates posted by several members of the Schell Games team. These posts, which began appearing on the Friday preceding the report, detailed the sudden termination of a number of employees across multiple departments.
One of the first voices to speak out was the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote, "Schell Games had their first ever layoffs today," and clarified that he himself remained employed. The engineering manager went on to explain the broader context, noting, "This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do. Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging." The phrasing underscores a sentiment shared by many in the interactive entertainment field: a period of financial strain that is affecting companies of all sizes, from indie outfits to established publishers.
Further confirmation came from Dwayne Waite Jr., Schell Games’ marketing director, who openly acknowledged that the cuts had reached the marketing division. Waite listed four individuals who were directly impacted and expressed empathy for their situation.
In addition, the studio’s senior public relations manager contributed to the dialogue by naming colleagues from the art, design, and visual effects teams who were also let go. Compiling the information from the various posts suggests that roughly fourteen staff members have been affected by this round of reductions.
While the exact figure is difficult to verify, Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile indicates that the company’s total headcount falls somewhere between 51 and 200 employees, meaning the layoffs represent a noticeable, though not catastrophic, percentage of its workforce. One of the departing employees, the senior public relations manager, posted a reflective message that captured both disappointment and pride. "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 highlights the personal toll that such corporate decisions can have, even when the underlying reasons are financial rather than performance‑related.
The layoffs are particularly striking given the public stance taken by Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, on the subject of job security. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates monetary risk from the risk to employees’ livelihoods. He said, "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 elaborated further, explaining that even if the studio’s own intellectual property generated no revenue, the company would still aim to keep its staff employed, 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." The current situation appears to contradict that earlier commitment, raising questions about the pressures that may have forced the studio’s hand. Industry analysts point to a confluence of factors that have strained the financial health of many game developers in recent months. These include rising production costs, a slowdown in consumer spending on entertainment, and the lingering effects of global supply‑chain disruptions that have impacted hardware sales and, consequently, software revenue.
In addition, the competitive landscape has intensified as larger publishers double down on live‑service models and massive multiplayer experiences that demand substantial ongoing investment. Smaller studios like Schell Games, which often rely on a mix of original IP, contract work, and educational partnerships, can find it challenging to maintain a stable cash flow when market conditions shift. The timing of the layoffs also coincides with broader industry trends.
Recent reports have documented a wave of workforce reductions across the sector, with notable names announcing cuts ranging from a handful of employees to several hundred. This pattern suggests that Schell Games is not an isolated case but part of a larger recalibration as companies adapt to a more uncertain economic environment.
While GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment on the recent layoffs, a formal response has not yet been published. In the meantime, the studio’s remaining staff and the broader community are left to process the news and consider the implications for ongoing projects, future hiring plans, and the overall health of the company.
For those directly affected, the transition can be daunting. Many in the gaming industry rely on professional networks, freelance opportunities, and community support to navigate periods of unemployment. Schell Games’ leadership has reportedly offered assistance in the form of references and job‑search resources, though the effectiveness of these measures will depend on the broader market’s capacity to absorb experienced talent. In summary, Schell Games’ first ever layoff round—affecting an estimated fourteen individuals across engineering, marketing, art, design, and visual effects—reflects the challenging financial climate confronting the video‑game industry at large.
Despite previous assurances from CEO Jesse Schell that the studio would prioritize job security over monetary risk, the current economic pressures appear to have forced a difficult decision. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the studio restructures its operations and whether it can uphold its commitment to its remaining employees while navigating the uncertain terrain ahead.