Ashes of Creation
News, coverage and analysis tracking Ashes of Creation across the outlets.
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 ChefFormer 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 dramaThis 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 TCGsInvestor 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.- Rumor MillA report alleges that the failed MMO Ashes of Creation spent $3.2 million in Kickstarter funds on non-development expenses, including private chefs and trading cards. The game has been in development for an extended period without a full release.
- Make My MMO: AQWI’s $2M Kickstarter haul, Camelot Unchained’s weird early access
- Ashes of Creation’s alleged expense ledger has been leaked to ruin your weekendAn alleged expense ledger from Intrepid Studios, the developer of Ashes of Creation, has been leaked, purportedly detailing financial mismanagement by studio head Steven Sharif. The ledger, shared by YouTuber NefasQS, allegedly covers expenses from 2015 to 2025, including personal expenditures and low employee payroll relative to the cost of living. Sharif had previously denied financial wrongdoing in response to lawsuits.
- Massively Overthinking: Should gamers shut up about MMOs they don’t play?Former Blizzard developer Jeff Kaplan stated that gamers should refrain from commenting on games they have not played, a sentiment echoed by some and debated by others. While some agree that uninformed criticism is detrimental, others argue that feedback from non-players can still be valuable for game development and community discourse.
- Make My MMO: AQW Infinity’s massive Kickstarter haul, Ashes of Creation in limboAdventureQuest Worlds Infinity's Kickstarter has surpassed $1.3 million, making it a significant crowdfunding success. The article also notes other crowdfunded MMOs, including the successful Darkhaven and the ongoing legal battles and player count issues surrounding Ashes of Creation.
- Vague Patch Notes: When the MMORPG is failingThe author reflects on the feeling of dread and disillusionment experienced when playing MMORPGs that are perceived to be failing or lacking direction, citing examples like WildStar, Star Wars: The Old Republic, and Champions Online. This analysis explores the psychological impact of "vague patch notes" and the collapse of future potential in the genre, even when games transition to free-to-play models.
- MMO Week in Review: Midnight’s proper launch, Ashes of Creation’s legal battleThis week's MMO news roundup covers the official launch of World of Warcraft Midnight, a legal battle involving Ashes of Creation's former boss Steven Sharif, and the debuts of Bungie's Marathon and Equinox Homecoming. Several games, including Highguard and Eldegarde, are also announced to be sunsetting.
- Ashes of Creation Legal UpdateThe MMORPG Ashes of Creation remains in limbo over a month after going offline. Legal disputes, including a lawsuit and counter-suit involving Rob Dawson, have emerged since the game's shutdown.
Haunted Pikachu dolls? Dead-eyed Ditto-humans? A Look at Pokemon Pokopia | TAGThe article discusses the unique and bizarre post-apocalyptic world of Pokémon Pokopia, which offers a refreshing departure from the traditional Pokémon formula with its haunted dolls and unusual characters. It also touches upon other gaming news including Resident Evil Requiem's narrative approach, deals on Nintendo titles like Mario Kart World and Splatoon 3, the divisive nature of Mega Evolutions in Pokémon, new book preorders, a Star Wars character comparison, a quirky dungeon crawler, and the ongoing drama surrounding Ashes of Creation.
Ousted Ashes of Creation director wins restraining order against his own board: "I categorically deny I mismanaged funds or caused the company's shutdown"Steven Sharif, the ousted director of Ashes of Creation, has obtained a temporary restraining order against the board of Intrepid Studios, led by Rob Dawson. Sharif denies allegations of mismanagement and claims the board is attempting to seize company assets and IP for their own enrichment. The legal battle follows mass layoffs and the apparent shutdown of the studio.- Betawatch: Marathon and Equinox Homecoming both enter launch watersBungie's new game Marathon and Equinox Homecoming have launched this week, alongside other gaming news including AdventureQuest Worlds Infinity reaching a crowdfunding milestone. The article also provides updates on various games in beta testing and development, detailing their current status and upcoming plans.
- Ashes of Creation director Steven Sharif breaks silence in ongoing legal battleAshes of Creation founder Steven Sharif has released a public statement addressing ongoing lawsuits related to the MMO's shutdown. The statement comes amid multiple legal battles being considered by the company.
- A judge has granted Ashes of Creation’s Steven Sharif a TRO against Intrepid’s boardA judge has granted Ashes of Creation's Steven Sharif a temporary restraining order against Intrepid's board of directors, led by Rob Dawson, and TFE Games Holdings LLC. The order prevents the defendants from accessing or distributing Intrepid's trade secrets, finding sufficient reason to believe Sharif will prevail in his claims of an improper takeover and misappropriation of assets. The court found that Intrepid has already suffered harm and will continue to do so if the TRO is not granted.
- MMO Hype Train: Ashes of Creation really could’ve been something – and still might beThe article discusses the tumultuous development of the MMORPG Ashes of Creation, highlighting the departure of key developers and subsequent legal battles. Despite these issues, the author believes the game's solid foundation and advanced development state offer a slim possibility for salvage and a future live service.
- Make My MMO: Epitome made $661K on Kickstarter, Elite Dangerous unveiled the Kestrel Mk IIThe AI-driven MMORPG Epitome successfully concluded its Kickstarter campaign, raising approximately $661,000 from over 20,000 backers. Meanwhile, Elite Dangerous unveiled the Kestrel Mk II ship in early access, and various other crowdfunded MMOs like Pantheon, Star Citizen, and Project Gorgon provided updates on their development progress and upcoming patches.