Schell Games, the renowned developer behind the hit VR title Among Us 3D and the I Expect You to Die series, has made a shocking announcement that’s sending shockwaves through the gaming community. According to multiple LinkedIn posts from employees at the studio, Schell Games has laid off staff for the first time in its history. The reported layoffs took place last Friday, affecting around 14 people across various departments.
The news is particularly surprising given Jesse Schell’s long-standing commitment to avoiding layoffs. In a 2024 interview with GamesIndustry.Biz, he emphasized the importance of preserving team cohesion and minimizing job losses. Schell argued that when team members stay together, their collective experience and expertise grow stronger over time, making them more valuable assets to the studio.
It appears that circumstances have forced Schell Games to reevaluate its approach. The layoffs seem to be a consequence of industry-wide economic pressures, as the principal engineering manager’s LinkedIn post suggests. “Our industry (and beyond) right now is hemorrhaging,” they wrote, expressing sympathy for their former colleagues who were let go.
The affected departments include marketing, art, design, and visual effects, with most employees having August 2026 listed as their end date of work experience at Schell Games. The layoffs have raised questions about the studio’s future plans and whether its commitment to avoiding job losses will be revisited.
For VR fans who’ve grown attached to Schell Games’ innovative titles, the news is disheartening. Among Us 3D has been a standout hit in the VR space, offering an immersive social experience that’s hard to resist. The I Expect You to Die series, meanwhile, has pushed the boundaries of interactive storytelling and puzzle-solving.
The layoff announcement serves as a reminder that even the most successful studios can be vulnerable to economic pressures. It remains to be seen how Schell Games will adapt to these challenges and whether its commitment to preserving team cohesion will be reevaluated in light of recent events.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it’s essential for developers and publishers to prioritize innovation while also managing their financials sustainably. The impact of these layoffs on Schell Games’ future projects remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the VR community will be watching closely as this story unfolds.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-08-25