Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of Among Us and for the critically acclaimed I Expect You to Die series, has reportedly initiated a round of layoffs affecting several of its employees. The news emerged after a series of LinkedIn updates from staff members detailed the cuts that began late last week.
According to coverage from Game Developer, the first public acknowledgment of the reductions came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who posted that Schell Games experienced its inaugural layoffs on a Friday. The manager clarified that they themselves were not among those let go, emphasizing that the decision was not a reflection of personal performance.
"This isn’t a result of any individual actions. Our industry (and beyond) right now is bleeding heavily," the manager wrote, underscoring the broader market turmoil that has been affecting game developers across the board. Further confirmation came from Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, who identified that the marketing department was among the areas impacted.
Waite listed four colleagues whose positions were eliminated, and the studio’s senior public relations manager later added names from the art, design, and visual effects teams, indicating that the cuts spanned multiple disciplines within the company. Based on the collective posts, it appears that roughly fourteen employees have been affected. Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists the company’s size as ranging from 51 to 200 staff members, suggesting that the layoffs represent a noticeable, though not overwhelming, percentage of the workforce.
One of the affected public relations staff members 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." This sentiment captures both the personal disappointment and the professional pride that many long‑standing employees feel when parting ways under such circumstances.
The timing of these layoffs is particularly striking given the public stance of Schell Games’ founder and CEO, Jesse Schell, who has historically spoken out against workforce reductions. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from the risk to employees’ livelihoods.
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." This viewpoint suggested that the studio would prioritize job security even in the face of financial uncertainty, making the recent layoffs appear contradictory to the company’s previously stated values.
Industry observers note that Schell Games is not alone in facing staffing reductions this year. The broader video‑game sector has been grappling with a series of challenges, including rising development costs, shifting consumer preferences, and a post‑pandemic market correction that has left many publishers and developers reassessing their budgets.
The term "hemorrhaging" used by the engineering manager reflects a sentiment echoed across numerous studios, where revenue shortfalls and tighter financing have forced difficult decisions about staffing levels. While the exact financial pressures prompting Schell Games to act remain undisclosed, analysts speculate that the studio’s reliance on both internal IP and external contracts may have created a volatile cash flow environment. Projects like the I Expect You to Die series, which enjoy a dedicated fan base, still require ongoing support, updates, and marketing spend. Meanwhile, collaborations such as the Among Us 3D adaptation involve partnership agreements that can be subject to performance‑based payouts or revenue‑sharing models, adding another layer of financial complexity.
When projected earnings fall short of expectations, even studios with strong creative reputations may find themselves needing to trim overhead. The layoffs also raise questions about the future direction of Schell Games’ development pipeline. Historically, the studio has balanced immersive virtual‑reality experiences with more traditional gaming titles, positioning itself as an innovative player in both consumer and educational markets.
Maintaining that dual focus often demands a diverse talent pool, from engineers and designers to artists and narrative writers. Reducing staff in key areas such as marketing, art, and visual effects could impact the studio’s ability to promote upcoming releases, sustain community engagement, and deliver the high‑quality visual polish that fans have come to expect. Nevertheless, the company’s leadership has not issued an official statement beyond the individual LinkedIn posts, and GamesIndustry.biz has reached out for comment.
The lack of a formal corporate response leaves room for speculation about whether the layoffs are a temporary measure aimed at stabilizing finances, or part of a broader restructuring strategy that could reshape the studio’s operational model. Some insiders suggest that Schell Games may be exploring new funding avenues, such as strategic partnerships or venture capital, to offset cash constraints while preserving core talent.
Others fear that the cuts could signal a more prolonged period of contraction, especially if market conditions do not improve in the near term. For the employees who remain, the situation is likely to be one of cautious optimism mixed with uncertainty. Retaining staff during a downsizing phase often means increased workloads and a heightened focus on delivering projects on time and within budget. The remaining team members may need to adapt quickly, taking on additional responsibilities and collaborating more closely across disciplines to ensure that ongoing projects stay on track.
In summary, Schell Games’ recent layoffs reflect a confluence of industry‑wide financial stress, the inherent volatility of game development, and perhaps a shift in the company’s strategic priorities. While the move appears at odds with founder Jesse Schell’s earlier public commitment to safeguarding jobs, it underscores the harsh reality that even studios with strong creative legacies are not immune to economic pressures. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, both the remaining staff and the broader community will be watching closely to see how Schell Games navigates this challenging period and what steps it will take to rebuild or re‑orient its workforce for future success.