Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of the viral hit Among Us and for developing the critically acclaimed I Expect You to Die series, has reportedly initiated a round of layoffs affecting several of its employees. The news surfaced after Game Developer magazine cited a collection of LinkedIn updates posted by members of the Schell Games team. These posts, dating back to the previous Friday, detailed the onset of staff reductions across multiple departments. One of the first to speak out was the studio’s principal engineering manager, who shared that the layoffs marked the company’s inaugural experience with workforce cuts.
The manager emphasized that the decision was not a reflection of personal performance, stating, "This isn’t a result of any individual’s actions. Our sector is currently bleeding heavily." The message resonated throughout the organization.
Dwayne Waite Jr., the marketing director at Schell Games, corroborated the information, confirming that the marketing division was among those impacted. He went on to name four colleagues who were directly affected by the downsizing.
In a similar vein, the senior public‑relations manager posted additional details, listing names from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams who were also part of the layoff wave. Compiling the various disclosures, observers estimate that roughly fourteen employees have been let go. This figure is notable given that Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile indicates a total staff size ranging from 51 to 200 individuals, suggesting that the cuts represent a modest but meaningful percentage of the overall workforce. The public‑relations manager expressed a bittersweet sentiment about the departure, writing, "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 both the personal attachment many employees feel toward the studio and the broader emotional impact of the layoffs. The timing of these reductions is particularly striking because it appears to contradict the public stance of Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell.
In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from the risk to employees’ jobs. He asserted, "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 remarks suggested a commitment to safeguarding staff even during periods of fiscal uncertainty, making the recent layoffs appear at odds with that declared principle.
The discrepancy has prompted speculation among industry observers about the underlying factors that may have forced the studio’s hand. Several possible contributors have been identified. First, the broader video‑game industry has been experiencing a downturn, with many publishers reporting lower-than‑expected revenue, delayed releases, and a cautious approach to new investments. This macro‑economic pressure has led to a wave of layoffs across the sector, often described as a "hemorrhaging" of talent and resources.
Second, the rapid evolution of technology and player expectations may have placed additional strain on mid‑size studios like Schell Games, which must balance innovation with sustainable cash flow. Moreover, the competitive landscape for immersive and narrative‑driven experiences—areas where Schell Games has historically excelled—has become increasingly crowded. New entrants and larger studios are pouring significant capital into similar genres, potentially eroding market share and making it harder for independent developers to maintain profitability without external funding.
In response to the situation, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for comment, seeking clarification on how the company reconciles its recent actions with the earlier public commitments made by its leadership. As of this writing, no official statement has been released beyond the employee‑generated posts on social media platforms.
The layoffs at Schell Games serve as a microcosm of the challenges facing many creative studios in today’s volatile market. While the company’s past achievements—delivering engaging, story‑rich experiences that blend education and entertainment—remain a testament to its capabilities, the current climate underscores the difficulty of sustaining a stable workforce amid fluctuating revenues and shifting consumer preferences. For the employees who have been let go, the transition may involve leveraging the skills and portfolio they built at Schell Games to secure new opportunities within the industry.
The studio’s reputation for high‑quality production values and innovative design could serve as a valuable credential in their job searches. Meanwhile, the remaining staff will likely need to adapt to a leaner operational model, potentially taking on broader responsibilities to keep ongoing projects on track.
In summary, Schell Games’ recent layoff announcement reflects a confluence of industry‑wide financial pressures, strategic realignments, and perhaps an unavoidable divergence from the founder’s earlier pledge to protect jobs at all costs. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as the company navigates this challenging period.