Schell Games, the development studio known for collaborating on the three‑dimensional version of the viral hit Among Us and for creating the popular I Expect You to Die series, has reportedly initiated a round of staff reductions. The news broke after Game Developer magazine highlighted a series of LinkedIn updates posted by employees who indicated that the layoffs began on a Friday earlier this week.
One of the messages came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote, “Schell Games experienced its first ever lay‑offs today.” The manager also clarified that they themselves were not among those being let go. The engineering manager added a note of context, explaining that the cuts were not reflective of any personal performance issues: “This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do. Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging.” This sentiment captures the broader turbulence affecting the video‑game sector, where declining revenues, rising development costs, and shifting consumer habits have forced many companies to rethink staffing levels. The marketing division was also hit, as confirmed by Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, who identified four members of his team who were part of the reduction.
In a separate post, the senior public‑relations manager for Schell Games listed additional colleagues from the art, design, and visual‑effects departments whose positions were eliminated. From the information gathered on LinkedIn, industry observers estimate that roughly fourteen individuals have been impacted across the various departments.
Schell Games lists its workforce size on its corporate LinkedIn page as ranging between 51 and 200 employees, which means the lay‑offs represent a noticeable, though not massive, percentage of the total staff. One of the affected employees, the senior public‑relations manager, expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride in a heartfelt message: “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.” This statement underscores the emotional toll such decisions can take on long‑standing team members, even when the cuts are framed as a business necessity.
The decision comes as a surprise to many because Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, has publicly advocated against layoffs for years. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell emphasized that the studio aims to keep financial risk separate from the job security of its 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 continued, “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 philosophy has guided the company’s operational strategy for years, with the leadership often citing a commitment to preserving the team even in the face of market volatility. The recent layoffs therefore appear to contradict that long‑standing stance, prompting speculation about what underlying factors might have forced the studio’s hand.
Possible explanations include a slowdown in publishing contracts, the winding down of a major project, or a strategic pivot toward new technologies that require different skill sets. It is also worth noting that the broader gaming ecosystem has been grappling with macro‑economic pressures such as inflation, reduced discretionary spending, and the impact of a tightening credit environment on venture‑backed studios. Industry analysts point out that the current climate has led to a “hemorrhaging” effect, where even well‑established developers are feeling the squeeze.
The rise of subscription models, the increasing importance of live‑ops revenue streams, and the competition from free‑to‑play titles have all contributed to a more uncertain revenue outlook for mid‑size studios like Schell Games. As a result, some firms have had to make difficult choices to preserve cash flow and ensure long‑term viability.
GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment on the layoffs, but as of the time of publishing, no response had been received. The studio’s leadership is likely to face tough questions from both employees and the wider gaming community about how the company’s stated values align with its recent actions.
For the employees who were let go, the transition can be challenging. Many in the game development field turn to freelance work, contract positions, or seek roles at other studios that are still hiring. Some may also use this period to develop independent projects, leveraging the experience gained at Schell Games to create new titles or to consult for other developers.
In summary, Schell Games—a studio with a reputation for innovative immersive experiences—has announced its first set of layoffs, affecting an estimated fourteen staff members across engineering, marketing, art, design, and visual‑effects departments. The move highlights the stark reality that even companies with a publicly declared commitment to job security are not immune to the broader economic headwinds that are currently sweeping the video‑game industry.
The situation remains fluid, and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Schell Games navigates this turbulent period while attempting to stay true to its core values.