According to numerous media reports and community accounts, Intrepid Studios, the developers of the long-awaited MMORPG Ashes of Creation, are in a state of serious internal crisis. This is part of the ongoing Ashes of Creation collapse.
The situation includes Steven Sharif resignation statement, Intrepid Studios layoffs, WARN Act notices MMO, and reports of unpaid payroll claims.
What Really Happened to Ashes of Creation?
Although the game is still availabl, players may want to consult the Steam Early Access refund guide if they are considering refunds.
If you want to know what options you have as a player and what to look out for now, read our guide.
The crisis began when Ashes of Creation moved to Steam Early Access, which changed the distribution model and raised players’ expectations, quickly turning into a clear example of Ashes of Creation collapse.
According to media reports, key management decisions led to Steven Sharif resignation statement, and soon after Intrepid Studios layoffs began, including WARN Act notices MMO.
At the same time, reports of payroll disruption circulated online, prompting players to consult the Steam Early Access refund guide if they were considering requesting a refund.
What Has Been Confirmed and What Remains Speculation?
In this situation, it is important to clearly separate facts from unconfirmed information, which is why we have created this guide.
We can confirm that Ashes of Creation has an active Steam Early Access page with a visible price point and description of access conditions. On the other hand, there has been no announcement of a live-service shutdown or server closure.
As for unconfirmed information, there are no official or legal sources confirming reports of layoffs and payroll disruption coming from the media and former employees. The situation is similar with Sharif’s statement, which exists mainly in the form of a Discord statement and requires independent verification.
Steven Sharif’s Statement
In his statement, Sharif focuses on two main issues.
The first concerns governance disputes, claiming that the board made decisions that he could not ethically support, which is why he resigned.
The second relates to the consequences of his departure, which led to further resignations and the start of intrepid layoffs.
Sharif also emphasizes that ongoing legal and corporate issues limit his ability to disclose full details of the situation, which affects customer support backlog and the studio’s current decisions.
Will the Servers Be Shut Down?
At this time, there is no official confirmation of store delisting or server shutdown.
The game remains available, but the lack of a stable team may quickly affect updates, moderation, and customer service.
If the service is shut down, Steam will be the primary channel for Steam’s refund policy for Early Access purchasers.
Therefore, players should follow the studio’s announcements, Steam announcements, and changes on the store’s website.
Why Is This Important For The MMO Industry?
This collapse shows how risky crowdfunded projects and the Early Access model can be, especially when a monthly subscription plan and live-service support are involved.
Furthermore, any organizational breakdown immediately affects the community and the project, highlighting the importance of stable management and transparent communication throughout the MMO industry.
What Can Players Do In This Situation?
Players should protect their position by taking screenshots of the Steam page showing the price, Early Access terms, and game announcements.
It is also a good idea to make a copy of your local files, settings, and materials stored on your hard drive.
Additionally, if you plan to request a refund, submit a Steam Support ticket as soon as possible and avoid rushing into chargebacks without checking the consequences for your account.
FAQ
Has Ashes of Creation been canceled?
- The game is in serious crisis, and an official end has not been confirmed.
Have the developers been laid off?
- The media reports mass layoffs following management resignations, but the full extent is unconfirmed.
Can I get a refund?
- It is possible, depending on the platform and terms of purchase, so check Steam Support or the crowdfunding campaign terms and conditions.
Is it worth buying the game now?
- The situation is uncertain, so it is best to wait for official announcements or changes in the store.