What was once one of the most anticipated MMORPG launches in years has spiraled into one of the most chaotic situations in recent gaming history. Ashes of Creation, developed by Intrepid Studios, is now at the center of industry-wide drama just weeks after its Early Access release on Steam.
1. Founder Resignation Sparks Unrest
On January 31, 2026, Ashes of Creation founder, creative director, and CEO Steven Sharif announced his resignation in the game’s official Discord server, stating he was stepping down “in protest” over decisions allegedly made by the company’s board of directors that he “could not ethically agree with.”
Sharif’s departure triggered a wave of additional exits from key leadership roles, including the director of communications, leaving the MMO without much of its original leadership team.
2. Mass Layoffs and Studio Shutdown
Following the leadership upheaval, Intrepid Studios reportedly issued WARN Act notices — legally required advanced notices for large layoffs in the U.S. — and appears to have laid off virtually its entire staff. Former employees have publicly indicated that the layoffs were broad and may constitute a full closure of the studio.
Reports suggest many staff members did not receive final paychecks and that Intrepid struggled to meet payroll prior to the shutdown.
3. Steam Delists Ashes of Creation
Amid the turmoil, Steam has disabled new purchases of Ashes of Creation, effectively removing it from the store as of early February 2026. Players who already own the game can still log in for now, but the future of server support is uncertain.
4. Backer and Player Backlash
The situation has provoked blistering criticism from fans and backers. Many early adopters purchased the game in Steam Early Access — and some pledged years earlier on Kickstarter — only to see the project collapse mere weeks after launch. This has led to a surge of negative reviews on Steam and widespread calls for refunds.
Unlike Kickstarter pledges, which are not legally required to be refunded, Steam refunds are typically limited by playtime rules. Still, players are filing refund requests citing extenuating circumstances given the scale of the studio’s collapse.
5. Rumors, Legal Issues, and Community Debate
Beyond the immediate layoffs and resignation, community discussions and social media have amplified allegations and skepticism:
- Some players on Reddit argue that Sharif’s claims about a board takeover are misleading or “fabricated,” citing corporate filings showing him as the sole director.
- Others highlight lawsuits, unpaid infrastructure bills, and financial troubles facing the company.
These ongoing debates — and lack of clear communication from Intrepid — have intensified frustration and confusion in the community.
6. What Comes Next?
Despite the chaos, Intrepid Studios has not issued a definitive official statement confirming the permanent cancellation of Ashes of Creation. A previously announced development update stream was planned for February 13, 2026, but its fate remains uncertain in light of the layoffs and leadership exodus.
For now, the MMORPG remains playable for existing owners, but the long-term future of the game, its servers, and ongoing content updates hangs in the balance.
About the Author
Sad to see this happen. Game had potential.