Schell Games, the development studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of the hit social deduction game Among Us and for producing the critically acclaimed I Expect You to Die series, has reportedly initiated a round of staff reductions. The news surfaced after a series of LinkedIn updates from current and former employees began to surface early last week, confirming that the layoffs started on Friday.
According to coverage by Game Developer, multiple members of the Schell Games team posted about the situation on their professional networks, providing a glimpse into the scale and impact of the cuts. One such post came from the studio’s principal engineering manager, who wrote, “Schell Games experienced its first ever layoffs today.” The manager clarified that they themselves were not among those let go, emphasizing that the decision was not tied to any personal performance issues. The manager added a broader perspective on the industry’s health, stating, “This has happened not because of anything you did or did not do.
Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging.” This sentiment reflects a growing sense of unease across the video‑game sector, where many companies are grappling with shifting consumer habits, rising development costs, and the lingering effects of recent economic volatility. Further confirmation came from Dwayne Waite Jr., the studio’s marketing director, who acknowledged that the marketing department was among those affected. He went on to name four individuals whose positions were eliminated, underscoring the personal dimension of the layoffs. In addition, the senior public relations manager at Schell Games shared additional names from the art, design, and visual‑effects teams, indicating that the reductions spanned multiple disciplines within the company.
Compiling the information from these public posts suggests that roughly fourteen employees have been impacted by the recent downsizing. Schell Games’ own LinkedIn profile lists the company’s headcount as falling somewhere between 51 and 200 staff members, meaning the layoffs represent a noticeable proportion of the overall workforce. One of the affected employees, the senior public relations manager, expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride in a reflective LinkedIn entry. “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.” This statement highlights the emotional weight of job loss while also celebrating the collaborative achievements made during their tenure. The timing of these layoffs is particularly striking given the public stance of Schell Games’ founder and CEO, Jesse Schell, who has long advocated against cutting jobs as a first‑resort measure. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell articulated a philosophy that separates financial risk from employment risk.
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.” Schell further elaborated that even if a new intellectual property generated no revenue, the studio would still aim to preserve its staff, stating, “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 philosophy has been a cornerstone of the company’s public image, positioning Schell Games as an employer that values stability for its team members. The recent layoffs, therefore, appear to contradict that earlier messaging, prompting speculation about the underlying causes.
Industry analysts point to several possible factors: a slowdown in the pipeline of new contracts, tighter budgets from publishing partners, and the broader macro‑economic pressures that have forced many mid‑size studios to reevaluate staffing levels. Additionally, the rapid evolution of technology—such as the rise of immersive VR experiences and the growing demand for live‑service models—can create mismatches between existing skill sets and emerging project needs, sometimes leading to difficult personnel decisions. GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for comment on the layoffs and to seek clarification on how the company plans to reconcile its stated commitment to job security with the current reductions.
As of now, no official response has been published. The situation at Schell Games mirrors a larger trend across the gaming industry, where even studios with strong reputations for employee treatment are not immune to economic headwinds. Recent months have seen a wave of layoffs at companies ranging from indie developers to major publishers, underscoring the volatility that can accompany rapid growth, shifting market expectations, and the high costs associated with modern game development. For the individuals directly affected, the transition can be challenging, but many have expressed optimism about leveraging their experience at Schell Games to pursue new opportunities.
The studio’s portfolio—spanning popular titles like Among Us 3D and the immersive puzzle series I Expect You to Die—provides a solid foundation for future employment, as the skills honed on these projects are highly valued in the broader interactive entertainment sector. In summary, Schell Games’ recent staff reductions represent a notable development for a studio that has historically championed job stability. While the exact financial pressures prompting the cuts remain unclear, the broader industry context suggests that even well‑regarded developers must adapt to shifting economic realities.
The hope among the affected employees and observers alike is that the studio will continue to uphold its commitment to its remaining team while navigating the challenges ahead.