Among Us 3D co-dev Schell Games reportedly lays off staff
Schell Games, the co-developer behind Among Us 3D and creator of the I Expect You to Die series, has reportedly laid off staff following a wave of departures across the industry. The news emerged late last week via multiple posts on LinkedIn from current and former employees, marking a significant shift for a studio that had previously spoken extensively about avoiding such measures.
The initial reports were confirmed by Dwayne Waite Jr, the studio's marketing director, who stated that the job cuts took place on Friday and specifically affected the marketing team. He shared the names of four employees who lost their positions. Other contributors to the report included a senior public relations manager, who noted that the layoffs extended beyond marketing to include staff from the art, design, and visual effects departments.
Based on the details provided in these posts, approximately 14 people appear to have been affected by the round of cuts. Many of the departing employees listed August 2026 as their final working day at the company. One manager expressed that while ending this chapter was disappointing after nearly six years, they walked away proud of their accomplishments and grateful for the colleagues they worked with.
This development stands in stark contrast to the public stance taken by Jesse Schell, the CEO and founder of the studio. In interviews over the years, particularly in 2024 with GamesIndustry.biz, Schell emphasized a philosophy where jobs are never put at risk, even if intellectual property generates zero revenue. He argued that while financial risks are inherent to game development, risking employment is a choice that should be avoided to preserve team strength and shared experience.
Despite the studio's historical commitment to job security, the current situation suggests external pressures or internal challenges have forced a departure from this principle. Game Developer has contacted Schell Games for official clarification regarding the specifics of the layoffs and their impact on future projects.
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