Ashes of Creation
News, coverage and analysis tracking Ashes of Creation across the outlets.- Make My MMO: DreamWorld’s dream is over, SpiritVale’s Kickstarter is a successThe 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 hardwareIntrepid 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 layoffsThis 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 reinventionCryptic 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 pocketArenaNet 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 droppedThe 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 actionsFormer 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 actionsSteven 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 WindroseThe 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’ docsThis 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, explainedAshes 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.
- Project Gorgon’s Miraverre server has erupted in drama over player pop and moderationDrama has erupted within the Project Gorgon MMORPG community, specifically concerning the Miraverre server's player population and moderation practices. A Reddit thread detailing a conflict between a player and moderator Jackencola, who allegedly told players to play Ashes of Creation if they were unhappy, has escalated. Elder Game developers Eric Heimburg and Lemons have addressed the situation, stating that only two players were banned for 180 days and several others temporarily gagged, disputing claims of mass bans.
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 CreationRiot 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 RespondsAshes 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.- Morning Legal BriefsFormer Ashes of Creation boss Steven Sharif stated he was advised against a $250 million offer from Riot Games for the MMORPG. The article also briefly mentions unrelated news about a crypto kidnapping case in France.
Ex Ashes of Creation boss Steven Sharif claims he was advised against a $250 million proposal from Riot Games to buy the MMORPGFormer 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 millionRecent 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 gameIntrepid 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.