Schell Games, the studio best known for co‑creating the three‑dimensional version of the hit party game Among Us and for developing the critically acclaimed I Expect You To Die series, has recently been forced to cut staff positions. The news surfaced after a series of LinkedIn updates from current employees detailed a wave of layoffs that began on a Friday earlier this week, as reported by Game Developer.
One of the first to speak up was the studio’s principal engineering manager, who posted that Schell Games experienced its inaugural round of layoffs that day. The manager emphasized that the reductions were not a reflection of any personal performance issues, noting, "This isn’t a result of any individual actions. Our sector is currently bleeding heavily." The marketing division was also hit hard. Dwayne Waite Jr., the company’s marketing director, confirmed that members of his team were among those let go and went on to name four specific individuals whose positions were eliminated.
In addition, the senior public‑relations manager at Schell Games shared further details, naming several colleagues from the art, design, and visual‑effects departments who were affected. Compiling the information from these public posts suggests that approximately fourteen employees have been impacted by the cuts. This figure is notable given that Schell Games’ LinkedIn profile lists the organization as employing somewhere between 51 and 200 staff members, indicating that the layoffs represent a measurable percentage of the workforce.
One of the affected employees, the senior public‑relations manager, expressed a mixture of disappointment and pride in a heartfelt LinkedIn comment. "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." The timing of the layoffs is particularly striking because Schell Games’ founder and chief executive officer, Jesse Schell, has long positioned himself as an opponent of job cuts within the industry. 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." Schell went on to say that even if the studio’s own intellectual property generated no revenue, the company would still avoid placing staff positions in jeopardy.
"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," he asserted. Despite these public statements, the recent reductions suggest that external pressures—whether market‑wide downturns, shifting consumer preferences, or broader economic headwinds—have forced the studio to reconsider its stance.
The gaming industry at large has been described as "hemorrhaging" in recent months, with numerous publishers and developers announcing similar workforce reductions as revenue streams tighten and development costs rise. Industry analysts point to several contributing factors: the lingering effects of the post‑pandemic slowdown, increased competition from live‑service titles, and the rising cost of high‑fidelity production values. For a mid‑size studio like Schell Games, which balances original IP creation with contract work for larger publishers, the financial balancing act can become precarious when client projects are delayed or canceled. The layoffs also raise questions about the future direction of Schell Games’ flagship properties.
The I Expect You To Die series, known for its immersive virtual‑reality puzzle experiences, has cultivated a dedicated fan base. Maintaining and expanding such a series typically requires a stable team of designers, artists, and engineers. The departure of staff from these core areas could impact upcoming updates, new releases, or even the studio’s ability to take on external contracts. Employees who remain at Schell Games are likely to face increased workloads as the studio seeks to sustain its production schedule with fewer hands on deck.
In similar situations across the industry, remaining staff often experience a period of “survivor syndrome,” where morale can dip and burnout risk rises. Management’s communication strategy during this transition will be crucial in preserving team cohesion and ensuring that the remaining talent feels valued and secure. As of now, GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Schell Games for an official comment on the layoffs and to understand how the studio plans to navigate the challenges ahead. No response has been received at the time of writing.
In summary, Schell Games, a studio celebrated for its innovative contributions to both tabletop‑style party games and immersive VR experiences, has announced its first ever round of staff reductions, affecting roughly fourteen employees across engineering, marketing, art, design, and visual effects. The cuts come amid a broader industry downturn, challenging the company’s long‑standing public commitment to protecting jobs. While the immediate impact on ongoing projects and employee morale remains to be fully seen, the situation underscores the volatile nature of the current gaming market and the difficult choices even well‑respected studios must sometimes make.