Ashes of Creation MMO Faces Turmoil: Senior Departures, Layoffs, and Steam Investigation
The future of the MMORPG Ashes of Creation is uncertain following significant departures from its leadership team. The game, which launched in December 2022 as a $50 Early Access title on Steam, recently faced internal turmoil, including allegations of questionable management practices.
Leadership Departures and Layoffs
In January 2023, Steven Sharif, the game’s director, resigned in protest after claiming that the management board requested actions he could not support ethically. This led to the resignation of many senior developers at Intrepid Studios.
Along with Sharif, Margaret Krohn, the director of communications, confirmed her departure via LinkedIn, stating that her time at the company had come to an unexpected end. Concerns have arisen regarding the remaining development team’s ability to continue the project.
- Game Director: Steven Sharif (resigned January 2023)
- Director of Communications: Margaret Krohn (identity confirmed post-departure)
Warnings and Further Issues
Following these resignations, the management board issued WARN Act notices, indicating impending layoffs. It remains unclear how many employees are still with the company. Sharif expressed disappointment regarding the situation, emphasizing that the developers acted in good faith.
Krohn, when questioned about the game’s ongoing development, remarked on the challenges ahead for the remaining team, stating, “I don’t know how they would make it when the heart and soul of the product was all laid off.”
Steam Investigation
In light of the leadership crisis, Steam has begun investigating the situation. Some users have reported asking for refunds due to the turmoil surrounding the game’s development. A Steam representative confirmed awareness of the issue and stated that an investigation is ongoing.
In the meantime, the official Ashes of Creation site posted an update outlining a list of ongoing issues. However, the game’s review score on Steam has suffered, descending to “Mostly Negative” due to numerous critical reviews describing the game as a “scam” and expressing doubts about its future.
Community Reaction
- Steam review rating: Mostly Negative
- Common criticisms include allegations of a cash grab and cancellation of development.
A Development Update livestream is scheduled for February 13, 2023, where more information may be disclosed. The gaming community watches closely as the future of Ashes of Creation hangs in the balance.
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