Marketed as a nostalgic return to the classic MMORPG formula, Ashes of Creation initially captured the industry’s attention with a massive $3.27 million Kickstarter campaign in 2017. However, despite an unanticipated Early Access launch this past December following a prolonged Alpha phase, it appears developer Intrepid Studios is abruptly ceasing operations less than two months later.
Over the weekend, a Director’s Letter appeared on the game’s official website. Curiously, the message was signed by “The Ashes of Creation Team” rather than the studio’s founder and creative lead, Steven Sharif. It has since been revealed that Sharif resigned from the company. In a statement shared via the game’s Discord server, Sharif clarified that he was speaking in a personal capacity, noting that control of the studio had shifted to a Board of Directors whose actions he could not “ethically agree with or carry out.”
Sharif explained that his resignation was a formal protest against corporate decisions he felt he could no longer support. “I cannot responsibly speak to further details at this time due to ongoing legal and governance matters,” Sharif stated, while adding that the development staff “deserved better than the uncertainty they are now facing.”
The situation escalated quickly as several key employees took to social media to confirm their departures. Communications Director Margaret Krohn announced her exit on LinkedIn, followed by environment artist Alyvia Plummer, who explicitly described the event as a “studio-wide shut-down.” Sound designer Kevin Stiles corroborated these reports, stating he is seeking new work following the “recent closure of Intrepid Studios.”
Official studio channels have yet to use the word “closure,” and the most recent public update still promises a comprehensive development check-in via Twitch on February 13. However, given the exodus of essential staff and the public nature of the studio’s internal collapse, the status of that broadcast—and the game itself—remains highly volatile.
As the story develops, we will provide updates on the future of Ashes of Creation. In the meantime, you can read our deep dive into the upcoming World of Warcraft: Midnight expansion.
Sources: PCGamesN, Game Developer
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