Star Stable Entertainment Cuts Around 20% of Staff in Restructuring

Star Stable Entertainment, the Stockholm studio behind the horse-focused MMO Star Stable Online, has cut around 20% of its staff as part of an internal restructuring.

The studio hasn’t confirmed the exact number of people affected. Based on publicly listed headcount, reports estimate the layoffs could involve roughly 26 to 40 employees, depending on whether the company is closer to the 130 staff listed on its website or the higher figure shown on LinkedIn.

Interim CEO James Watkins said the cuts are meant to reduce operating costs and refocus the studio’s resources as it looks to secure Star Stable’s long-term future. The company also said its immediate priority is supporting departing employees, and encouraged other studios hiring to connect with affected staff.

Star Stable Entertainment is owned by Nordisk Games, which first took a minority stake in 2018 before becoming the studio’s majority shareholder in 2021. The cuts come not long after the studio marked its 15th anniversary.

Star Stable Online remains the company’s main game, with AppMagic estimates cited in coverage putting the MMO at around $23 million in in-app purchases since its full launch in 2022. The studio also earns revenue from Star Stable Horses on mobile.

Further reading: Star Stable Entertainment statement