Star Stable Entertainment reduces workforce by 20% to secure long-term future of its multiplayer horse adventure RPG
Swedish developer Star Stable Entertainment has conducted a workforce reduction of approximately 20%, laying off between 26 and 40 employees depending on actual staff count. The company’s website lists 130 employees, while its LinkedIn profile suggests over 180, creating uncertainty around the precise impact. Interim CEO James Watkins announced the decision was “necessary to secure the long-term future of Star Stable,” emphasizing that the restructuring aims to reduce operating costs and refocus resources for long-term adaptation and growth.
The developer is best known for Star Stable Online, a multiplayer horse adventure RPG that has become a significant revenue generator. According to estimates, the game has generated approximately $23 million in in-app purchases since its full launch in 2022 and maintains a monthly revenue of around $500,000. The title has also attracted roughly 12 million downloads to date. The company also operates Star Stable Horses, which has earned approximately $2.7 million in IAPs since its 2017 launch.
While Watkins acknowledged the difficulty of the decision and recognized the contributions of affected team members, Star Stable Entertainment declined to confirm the exact number of staff being laid off when contacted. The restructuring represents a strategic shift by the Stockholm-based studio as it looks to optimize its operations while maintaining its live-service gaming portfolio.