Intrepid Studios
Intrepid Studios business and news from across the web.
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Jobs roundup: September 2026 | Asmodee appoints Brian Trunk as senior vice president, Route to Market for the Americas
This article rounds up recent appointments and transitions within the games industry. Notable moves include Brian Trunk joining Asmodee as senior vice president, David Scarborough becoming senior manager of EMEA communications at Blizzard Entertainment, and Ilari Kuittinen stepping down as managing director of Housemarque after 31 years. Several other individuals have taken on new roles at companies like CD Projekt Red, Epic Games, and Activision Blizzard.
‘This is not what you signed up for’: Ashes of Creation boss, sued by his own counsel, issues warning to industry
Steven Sharif, the head of Intrepid Studios and creator of Ashes of Creation, is facing a lawsuit from his own attorneys, Withers Bergman LLP, for alleged nonpayment of over a million dollars in fees. Despite this legal trouble, Sharif issued a statement to investors and publishers, warning them about ongoing legal disputes and asset protection related to the game's development. He also addressed fans and former staff, acknowledging the difficult situation and expressing a shared desire to simply play the MMO.
Make My MMO: DreamWorld’s dream is over, SpiritVale’s Kickstarter is a success
The crowdfunded MMORPG DreamWorld has been pulled from Steam and its servers appear to be offline, marking another failed campaign for Dreamworld Realities. Meanwhile, SpiritVale and Tomo Endless Blue successfully funded on Kickstarter, while Elite Dangerous, Star Citizen, and Ashes of Creation faced various development and legal challenges.
Ashes of Creation’s Intrepid files cross-complaint alleging (among other things) that staff yoinked data center hardware
Intrepid Studios has filed a cross-complaint in its ongoing legal battle, alleging that former employees Jason Zimmerman and Matthew Rhoades removed data center hardware after receiving termination notices. The suit continues accusations against a "rogue board of directors" and claims of misappropriated funds and data destruction, with new camera evidence purporting to show the removal of hardware.
Betawatch: Neverness to Everness and Heroes of Might & Magic Olden Era open their gates
Several MMORPGs have launched or entered testing phases, including the full release of Neverness to Everness and early access for Heroes of Might & Magic Olden Era. TERA 2 is confirmed to be in development with Unreal Engine 5, while Scars of Honor and Gods, Death & Reapers are undergoing playtests and alpha phases respectively. Reaper Actual has secured further venture capital funding.
Ashes of Creation’s Steven Sharif asks court to shine ‘sunlight’ on the Intrepid board’s actions
Former Intrepid Studios boss Steven Sharif has filed new court documents alleging the company's board engaged in malicious abuse, a 'loan to own' scheme, and illegal firings to force him out of Ashes of Creation. Sharif is asking the court to appoint a neutral receiver to oversee the company and investigate the board's actions, which he claims they are actively trying to prevent through obstruction and conditional agreements.
Ashes of Creation’s Steven Sharif asks court to shine ‘sunlight’ on the Intrepid board’s actions
Steven Sharif, former boss of Intrepid Studios, has asked a court to oversee the company's actions amidst a legal battle with the current board. Sharif alleges the board engaged in a scheme to oust him and take over the game Ashes of Creation. He is seeking a neutral receiver to investigate the company's finances and actions, arguing that transparency is necessary to resolve the dispute.
MMO Week in Review: Gorgon’s drama, TurtleWoW’s demise, Ashes’ docs
This week in the MMORPG genre saw significant drama and updates across various titles. Ashes of Creation's former boss released legal documents, Project Gorgon faced community backlash over bans, and TurtleWoW announced its closure following a lawsuit. Additionally, Book of Travels is transitioning to a solo offline game, while new content and updates arrived for games like Guild Wars 2, Final Fantasy XIV, and Elder Scrolls Online.
The Ashes of Creation debacle, explained
Ashes of Creation, an MMORPG developed by Intrepid Studios, has faced significant controversy and ultimately shut down shortly after its early access launch. Allegations of severe mismanagement of funds, including the alleged misuse of Kickstarter money for personal luxuries by co-founder Steven Sharif, have surfaced. Sharif has defended himself, claiming a hostile takeover attempt by the board of directors, though reports suggest he was the sole board member.
Riot is "more committed to" the League of Legends MMO "than ever," co-founder says, but it did consider buying the now-dead Ashes of Creation
Riot Games co-founder Marc Merill confirmed the company considered acquiring Intrepid Studios, the developer of Ashes of Creation, but ultimately decided against it. Merill stated Riot remains committed to developing its own League of Legends MMO, despite past considerations of investing in or buying Intrepid Studios.
Ashes of Creation Director Responds
Ashes of Creation director Steven Sharif addressed recent claims about Intrepid Studios' finances, calling them "completely false" and "coordinated attacks." He described the ongoing situation as "one of the craziest stories gaming has ever seen."
Still struggling with its League of Legends MMO, Riot Games was reportedly willing to spend $250 million on acquiring…
Riot Games reportedly offered between $250 million and $500 million to acquire Intrepid Studios and its MMORPG, Ashes of Creation. The offer was revealed in court documents related to litigation involving Intrepid Studios CEO Steven Sharif. Ultimately, the acquisition did not go through, despite Riot's long-term plans for the game.
Ex Ashes of Creation boss Steven Sharif claims he was advised against a $250 million proposal from Riot Games to buy the MMORPG
Former Intrepid Studios founder Steven Sharif has made new claims in the ongoing lawsuit surrounding Ashes of Creation, alleging he was advised against a $250 million acquisition offer from Riot Games. Sharif asserts he is the victim of a defamation campaign and has provided court filings with witness statements. The legal battle continues with multiple parties involved, including investors and other former employees.
Recent Ashes of Creation court filings reveal Riot tried to purchase Intrepid for $250 million
Recent court filings reveal that Riot Games explored acquiring Intrepid Studios, the developer of Ashes of Creation, for $250-500 million in 2022. At the time, Riot was heavily invested in its own MMORPG projects, including Hytale and a separate internal MMO, amidst a period of high player interest in the genre following the performance of games like New World and Lost Ark.
Ashes of Creation boss drops new evidence and allegations against Intrepid’s board, vows to finish the game
Intrepid Studios founder Steven Sharif has released extensive details and court filings addressing allegations of a board attempting to seize control of the company and defraud creditors. Sharif denies misappropriating funds, claims he and his husband invested millions, and vows to finish the game Ashes of Creation. The filings also include accusations against Robert Dawson and Jason Caramanis, and mention a past acquisition offer from Riot Games.
Founder of dead MMO Ashes of Creation denies blowing its Kickstarter fortune on trading cards, private chefs, and…
Steven Sharif, founder of Intrepid Studios, has denied accusations of misappropriating Kickstarter funds for the MMO Ashes of Creation. YouTuber NefasQS presented accounting details suggesting significant spending on personal luxuries, which Sharif claims are false and part of a smear campaign amidst ongoing legal disputes.
Ashes of Creation’s Steven Sharif says leaked ledger is an ‘effort to litigate this dispute in the public domain’
Steven Sharif of Intrepid Studios addressed a leaked ledger concerning Ashes of Creation, calling it an attempt to litigate a dispute publicly. He denied misappropriation of Kickstarter funds and personal misuse of company money, stating the project is funded through multiple sources including personal capital. Sharif claims the leaked information is false, defamatory, and selectively presented to create a false narrative, with active litigation already underway.
Intrepid CEO Disputes Fresh Ashes of Creation Allegations, Including Claims That Funds Were Spent on Everything From Magic: The Gathering Cards to a Personal Chef
Former Intrepid Studios CEO Steven Sharif has disputed allegations regarding the expenses of the ill-fated MMO Ashes of Creation. Claims suggest millions of dollars were spent on questionable purchases, including Magic: The Gathering cards and personal services, painting a picture of financial distress.
MMO Week in Review: EQ Legends’ beta, Ashes of Creation’s drama
This week's MMO news roundup covers the upcoming closed beta for EverQuest Legends and ongoing legal drama surrounding Ashes of Creation. Several other titles like AdventureQuest Worlds Infinity, Dune Awakening, and Temtem Pioneers also saw significant updates or funding news.
Defunct MMO studio founder allegedly spent Kickstarter funds on private chefs, antiques, and TCGs
Investor Jason Caramanis has accused Intrepid Studios founder Steven Sharif of misappropriating millions in Kickstarter funds intended for the defunct MMO Ashes of Creation. These funds were allegedly spent on personal items such as private chefs and antiques, following the studio's closure and the layoff of its entire team.
