Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of Among Us and for the popular I Expect You To Die series, has recently confirmed that it is cutting staff members. The news surfaced after a series of LinkedIn updates from current employees revealed that the layoffs began on the Friday prior to the report. A writer from Game Developer highlighted several posts that painted a clear picture of the situation.
The studio’s principal engineering manager posted that the company experienced its first ever round of layoffs, noting that they themselves were not among those let go. In a candid comment, the manager added, "This isn’t a result of any individual’s actions. Our industry (and beyond) right now is bleeding heavily." The impact of the reductions was also confirmed by Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, who indicated that the marketing department was among those affected. He went on to list four specific employees who were part of the cut.
Further details emerged when the senior public relations manager shared additional names from the art, design, and visual effects teams, confirming that the downsizing touched multiple disciplines within the company. Based on the collective information from these posts, it appears that roughly fourteen employees have been impacted.
This figure is notable given that Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists its workforce as ranging between 51 and 200 people, suggesting that the layoffs represent a meaningful percentage of the total staff. One of the affected public relations managers reflected on the experience, 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." The sentiment underscores both the personal disappointment of losing a job and the pride in the contributions made during the tenure. The timing of these layoffs is particularly striking because Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, has long been vocal about his opposition to 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 stance has been a cornerstone of the studio’s public image, positioning the company as a place that values employee security even in the face of market volatility.
The recent layoffs, therefore, raise questions about the pressures the studio is currently facing and whether external factors have forced a departure from that long‑standing principle. Industry observers note that the broader video‑game sector has been experiencing a period of financial strain, often described as a "hemorrhaging" of revenue and resources. Factors such as rising development costs, shifting consumer preferences, and macro‑economic uncertainty have contributed to a challenging environment for many developers, both large and independent.
In this context, even studios that have historically prioritized job stability may find themselves confronting difficult decisions. The announcement also prompts a look at the specific projects that Schell Games is working on. While the studio has enjoyed success with titles like the I Expect You To Die series—a puzzle‑based, spy‑themed adventure that has garnered critical acclaim—and the ambitious Among Us 3D adaptation, the development pipeline for new IPs or expansions can be unpredictable. Funding cycles, publisher expectations, and the need to meet milestone deadlines can create cash‑flow pressures that ripple through the organization.
From a human‑resources perspective, the layoffs highlight the importance of transparent communication during periods of contraction. Employees who remain at the company may experience a mixture of relief and anxiety, wondering how future projects will be staffed and whether additional cuts could follow. Companies often respond by offering severance packages, outplacement services, or internal transfers, but the effectiveness of these measures varies widely. For the fourteen individuals who were let go, the transition can be both a professional setback and an opportunity for new directions.
The gaming industry, despite its current turbulence, continues to generate demand for talent in areas such as game design, narrative development, visual effects, and community management. Former Schell Games staff members may leverage their experience on high‑profile titles to secure roles at other studios, freelance contracts, or even venture into independent development. In the aftermath of the announcement, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment, seeking clarification on how the studio plans to navigate the current financial landscape while maintaining its commitment to employee welfare.
Until a formal response is provided, speculation will likely continue among analysts, fans, and former employees alike. Overall, the situation at Schell Games serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges confronting the video‑game industry today. While the studio’s leadership has historically championed job security, the realities of market pressures have forced a reconsideration of that stance.
The coming weeks will reveal how the company adapts its strategy, supports its remaining workforce, and perhaps redefines its approach to balancing financial risk with the well‑being of its employees.