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 series, has confirmed that it is cutting staff members. The news surfaced after several employees posted about the layoffs on LinkedIn, a development first reported by Game Developer. The first public indication came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote that the company had carried out its inaugural round of layoffs on a Friday.
The manager emphasized that the reductions were not tied to any personal performance issues, stating, "This isn’t a result of anything you did or didn’t do. Our industry – and the broader entertainment sector – is hemorrhaging right now." Further confirmation arrived from Dwayne Waite Jr., the marketing director, who disclosed that the marketing department was among those affected and listed four specific individuals who were let go.
The studio’s senior public‑relations manager also added names from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams, painting a clearer picture of the breadth of the cuts. Based on the aggregate of these posts, it appears that roughly fourteen employees have been impacted.
Schell Games lists its total headcount on its LinkedIn page as ranging between 51 and 200, meaning the layoffs represent a noticeable but not catastrophic portion of the workforce. One of the affected public‑relations staff members shared a reflective note about 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 a mixture of sadness over the departure and appreciation for the collaborative achievements that defined their tenure.
The timing of these layoffs is particularly striking given the public stance taken by Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, who has long spoken against job cuts within his organization. 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 suggested a commitment to protecting staff even in the face of uncertain revenue streams, implying that the company would rather absorb financial loss than sacrifice employment. The recent layoffs, therefore, appear to contradict that earlier promise, raising questions about the pressures that have forced the studio to reassess its position. Industry analysts point to several possible factors that could have contributed to the decision. The broader video‑game market has experienced a slowdown in consumer spending, with many publishers reporting lower-than‑expected sales for both new releases and legacy titles.
Additionally, rising development costs, especially for high‑quality 3D experiences and immersive VR projects—areas where Schell Games has invested heavily—have squeezed profit margins. Another element to consider is the competitive landscape of educational and experiential gaming, a niche where Schell Games has carved out a reputation. As schools and institutions tighten budgets post‑pandemic, contracts for custom educational experiences may have dwindled, further tightening cash flow. While the layoffs are a setback, the studio’s leadership has not ruled out future growth.
In past statements, Jesse Schell has highlighted the importance of innovation, collaboration with partners, and diversification of revenue streams, including licensing deals and corporate training programs. It is plausible that the company is restructuring to become leaner, allowing it to allocate resources more efficiently toward high‑impact projects.
The public relations manager’s farewell message also hinted at a sense of optimism despite the disappointment. "I’m grateful for the people I got to build with," they wrote, suggesting that the relationships forged at Schell Games will endure beyond the immediate corporate changes. Former colleagues have taken to social media to express support, sharing memories of collaborative problem‑solving, creative brainstorming sessions, and the studio’s unique culture that blends serious game design with playful experimentation.
The broader gaming community has responded with a mixture of sympathy and curiosity. Fans of the I Expect You to Die series, known for its clever puzzles and immersive storytelling, have posted tributes to the departing staff, emphasizing how the studio’s distinctive voice has shaped their gaming experiences.
Meanwhile, observers are watching to see how Schell Games will navigate the next quarter, particularly whether the company will announce new titles, partnerships, or strategic pivots to stabilize its financial footing. GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment on the layoffs, but as of now no response has been published. The situation remains fluid, and the industry will likely keep a close eye on how this well‑regarded studio adjusts its operations in the coming months, balancing the need for fiscal prudence with its long‑standing commitment to preserving jobs wherever possible.