Steven Sharif
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‘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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Morning Legal Briefs
Former 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 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.
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.
Ashes of Creation’s alleged expense ledger has been leaked to ruin your weekend
An 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.
MMO Week in Review: Midnight’s proper launch, Ashes of Creation’s legal battle
This 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.