Things appear to be in shambles at the California-based developer Intrepid Studios. Game director Steven Sharif resigned at the end of January “in protest” of the company’s management board, which led to several other senior staff members quitting and leaving the developer’s ambitious MMORPG, Ashes of Creation, in turmoil.
Funded through a combination of Kickstarter backing (to the tune of $3.2 million) and Sharif’s personal investment in 2017, Ashes of Creation is described as an “old-school take on the modern MMORPG set in a living, reactive world where your choices shape civilization.” It was in a lengthy alpha phase before launching in early access via Steam on December 11 for a discounted $50. Now, however, the game and its studio are experiencing some tough turbulence. On January 31, game director Steven Sharif announced his resignation in Discord (via PCGamesN) as a result of the management board’s decisions that he felt he “could not ethically agree with or carry out.”
“I can make a limited statement in my personal capacity and not on behalf of the company, regarding the situation,” Sharif wrote. “Control of the company shifted away from me, and the Board began directing actions that I could not ethically agree with or carry out. As a result, I chose to resign in protest rather than lend my name or authority to decisions I could not ethically support. Following my resignation, much of the senior leadership team resigned. Following those departures, the Board made the decision to issue WARN Act notices and proceed with a mass layoff.”
Intrepid Studios’ director of communications and marketing, Margaret Krohn, posted to LinkedIn on February 1 that their time at the company “has officially ended.” Art director James Sanders announced on LinkedIn that they’re “seeking a new role” after seven years at the San Diego, California developer. Senior environmental artist Adam Anthony said on LinkedIn that “with the closing of Intrepid Studios,” they, too, are looking for work. Many of the now-former staff have changed their LinkedIn banners to “open to work,” including associate technical artist Ranran (Brittany) Jiang, release management producer Anne Teensm, senior producer Douglas Mirro, and senior social media manager Peter Bisulca. It’s unclear how many staff remain at Intrepid Studios.
Published in August 1988, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act is a US labor law that requires employers with over 100 staff to provide at least a 60-day advance notice in cases of qualified plant closings and mass layoffs. The law also requires that covered businesses give advance notice to elected officials, local governments, school districts, and local agencies (such as fire departments, police, and medical services) where the employees are affected. Its primary function is to provide workers enough time to prepare for a transition and seek new employment.
Although Ashes of Creation is still available to purchase on Steam, the MMORPG’s review rating has dropped to “mostly negative” as fans wonder what its fate is. According to Eurogamer, players are filling the reviews with concerns for the staff and complaints toward the board. “Since Ashes of Creation will be shutting down soon, purchasing the game right now might be a bad idea,” reads the “most helpful” review.
The turmoil has gotten so bad that, according to IGN, redditor LawdAizen reportedly received a message from a Valve spokesperson claiming that the company is now “investigating” the situation after they “opened a ticket asking for a refund.”
“Sorry to hear about this issue and I understand your concern,” the spokesperson said. “We are aware of the issue and are currently investigating this further. As soon as we have more information, we will update your ticket.”
Although Sharif couldn’t explain what the board’s “actions” were that he couldn’t agree with, he did say the developers did everything they could for Ashes of Creation fans.
“I cannot responsibly speak to further details at this time due to ongoing legal and governance matters,” Sharif said in his Discord message on January 31. “What I can say is that the developers and staff acted in good faith and deserved better than the uncertainty they are now facing. I am incredibly dismayed by the situation.”