Schell Games, the development 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 recently been forced to reduce its workforce. The news emerged after several employees posted about the layoffs on LinkedIn, prompting coverage by industry outlet Game Developer. The first public indication of the cuts came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who shared that the company had carried out its inaugural round of layoffs on a Friday. The manager emphasized that the reductions were not a reflection of personal performance, stating, "This isn’t a result of any individual actions.
Our industry is currently bleeding profusely, and the impact is being felt far beyond the gaming sector itself." Further confirmation arrived from Dwayne Waite Jr., Schell Games’ marketing director, who identified members of the marketing team among those let go and listed four specific employees who were affected. The studio’s senior public‑relations manager also contributed to the disclosure by naming colleagues from the art, design, and visual‑effects divisions who were part of the layoff wave.
Based on the collective posts, it appears that roughly fourteen staff members have been impacted. This figure is notable given that Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists its total headcount as ranging between 51 and 200 employees, suggesting that the cuts represent a meaningful percentage of the studio’s overall workforce. The public‑relations manager expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride in a reflective LinkedIn update.
"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 layoffs are particularly striking because they run counter to the public position taken by Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, who has long advocated 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. 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." Schell’s comments underscored a commitment to preserving staff even when projects fail to generate revenue, a stance that resonated with many in the industry who have witnessed widespread layoffs across studios of all sizes. However, the recent cuts at Schell Games suggest that external pressures—perhaps a slowdown in consumer spending, rising development costs, or broader macro‑economic headwinds—have forced the company to reconsider its approach.
The gaming sector as a whole has been experiencing a turbulent period. After a boom of several years driven by the pandemic, many publishers and developers have reported declining sales, tighter budgets, and an overall contraction in the market.
This environment has led to a wave of redundancies across the industry, affecting both large publishers and independent studios alike. Analysts point to factors such as increased competition from live‑service models, rising production values, and shifting player preferences as contributors to the current “hemorrhaging” condition. For Schell Games, the decision to lay off staff may also be tied to the performance of its recent titles. While the I Expect You to Die series has cultivated a dedicated fan base, the market for VR and AR experiences—areas where Schell Games has historically excelled—has been volatile.
The company’s partnership on the Among Us 3D project, though high‑profile, may not have generated the expected long‑term revenue streams needed to sustain a larger team. Industry observers note that layoffs, while painful, can sometimes serve as a catalyst for restructuring and strategic refocusing. Companies may use the opportunity to streamline operations, invest in core competencies, or pivot toward emerging technologies such as cloud gaming, AI‑driven content creation, or cross‑platform experiences.
In this context, Schell Games might be positioning itself to adapt to the evolving landscape, concentrating resources on projects with the highest potential return on investment. The human side of the story, however, remains paramount. Employees who have dedicated years to building games, nurturing community relationships, and advancing the studio’s creative vision now face uncertainty.
Many have expressed gratitude for the collaborative environment and the chance to contribute to innovative titles, while also acknowledging the emotional toll of sudden job loss. As of now, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment on the layoffs and to seek clarification on how the company plans to move forward.
The studio’s response, when it arrives, will likely shed light on whether the cuts are a temporary measure or part of a broader strategic shift. In summary, Schell Games’ recent workforce reduction reflects a broader industry trend of financial strain and market contraction. Despite the founder’s earlier assurances that jobs would be shielded from fiscal risk, the reality of a challenging economic climate appears to have compelled the studio to make difficult decisions. The affected employees, while saddened by the turn of events, have left the company with a sense of pride in their contributions and optimism for future opportunities within the ever‑changing world of game development.