Ashes of Creation
News, coverage and analysis tracking Ashes of Creation across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Betawatch: Monsters & Memories plunges testers into The Deep, Loftia begins pre-registrations, and ArcheAge S is on its way next year
Several MMORPGs are entering new testing phases or preparing for launch. Monsters & Memories is plunging testers into 'The Deep' ahead of its early access, while Loftia has begun pre-registrations. ArcheAge S is slated for a Q2 2027 release, with gameplay previews coming soon. Legends of Aria Eternal and Valheim have officially launched, while Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen has experienced layoffs.
ArenaNet says Guild Wars 3 will make you "fall in love with MMOs." Here's why I think it could
ArenaNet aims to revitalize the MMO genre with Guild Wars 3, focusing on innovative 'Momentum' systems that allow for fluid movement and dynamic combat. Studio head Colin Johansen believes the game will attract both existing Guild Wars fans and new players seeking a fresh experience, potentially making them 'fall in love with MMOs.' The design prioritizes a cleaner UI and more action-oriented gameplay, a departure from traditional MMO mechanics.
MMOs Have “Stagnated,” Guild Wars 3 Studio Head Says
ArenaNet studio head Colin Johanson believes the MMO genre has stagnated, with many players still engaging with games over a decade old. He aims for Guild Wars 3 to introduce "wild, crazy ideas" to revitalize the genre by addressing approachability and respecting players' time, offering a less demanding experience than traditional MMOs.
MMO Week in Review: Lost Ark and Throne & Liberty are going home
Amazon has announced it will cease publishing duties for the MMORPGs Lost Ark and Throne & Liberty, returning them to their respective studios, Smilegate and NCsoft. The article also touches on updates and developments for other MMOs including EverQuest Legends, World of Warcraft, Ashes of Creation, and Star Wars The Old Republic.
‘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.
Betawatch: Stars Reach sets course for early access, EverQuest Legends successfully launches
Stars Reach has announced its paid early access will begin on August 18th, while EverQuest Legends has officially launched. The article also provides updates on Guild Wars 3's music, Cinder City's pre-alpha testing, and Reaper Actual's free weekend, alongside a comprehensive list of games currently in various stages of testing and early access.
Perfect Ten: MMORPGs whose fans I feel sorry for
This opinion piece discusses ten MMORPGs whose fans are felt to be underserved or unfairly treated due to various issues like poor publishing deals, legal troubles, corporate decisions, or a perceived lack of developer care. Games like Fractured Online, Ashes of Creation, The Elder Scrolls Online, and New World are highlighted for their fanbases facing significant challenges.
Betawatch: Aion 2 outlines head start plans as Guild Wars 3 outlines its story premise
NCsoft has detailed head start plans for Aion 2, which is slated for a global launch in September 2026. Guild Wars 3 has also outlined its story premise, with a beta expected in fall 2027. The article also provides an extensive list of other MMORPGs currently in various stages of testing and development.
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.
MMO Week in Review: Guild Wars goes mobile, Bungie gets layoffs
This week's MMO news includes Guild Wars launching on mobile, Star Trek Online's new update, and Throne & Liberty's summer expansion. However, the industry also saw significant layoffs at Sony and Bungie, impacting hundreds of developers working on Destiny 2 and Marathon. Other news includes Valve's Steam Machine pricing, the ongoing Ashes of Creation lawsuit, and updates on Grand Theft Auto VI's online multiplayer.
Cryptic’s Jack Emmert on hungry MMO fans and games that are ‘basically features, but without any soul’
Cryptic Studios' Jack Emmert believes the MMORPG genre still has a strong audience, citing games like New World and World of Warcraft. He argues that many new MMORPGs fail due to a lack of focused design, resulting in "features without any soul" and bloated budgets, which publishers often push for.
"People want MMOs, and the sales of New World proved it" – Cryptic Studios head Jack Emmert on why MMOs are ripe for reinvention
Cryptic Studios CEO Jack Emmert believes the MMORPG market is still strong, citing the sales of New World as proof, despite recent cancellations. He argues that successful MMOs should focus on a distinct vision and niche audience rather than trying to appeal to everyone, which often leads to diluted experiences. Emmert also emphasizes the importance of rapid prototyping and controlled scope for long-term success in the genre.
MMO Week in Review: Guild Wars in your pocket
ArenaNet announced a mobile port of Guild Wars Reforged with cross-progression, coinciding with the game's 21st anniversary. This week also saw Final Fantasy XIV patch 7.5, Pearl Abyss selling EVE Online studio CCP Games to its management, and Star Wars The Old Republic revealing the planet Ryloth for its 8.0 update.
The Intrepid board’s lawsuit against Ashes of Creation’s Steven Sharif has been dropped
The lawsuit filed by Intrepid against Ashes of Creation founder Steven Sharif and his husband John Moore has been dismissed without prejudice. Sharif claims the lawsuit was fabricated to cover up the board's alleged mismanagement and unethical behavior. Sharif's own lawsuit against the board members is still ongoing.
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.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 563: In the name of the Windrose
The MassivelyOP Podcast episode 563 covers several MMORPGs, including the early access launch of pirate survival game Windrose and the shift of Book of Travels to a single-player offline experience. The hosts also discuss the closure of the Turtle WoW project, legal issues surrounding Ashes of Creation, the closed beta for Loftia, and drama within Project Gorgon.
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.