Ashes of Creation Devs Report Unpaid Final Wages After MMO Shutdown

Following the recent tumult at Intrepid Studios, the developer of the MMORPG Ashes of Creation, former communications director Margaret Krohn has publicly addressed critical issues surrounding unpaid wages. Krohn, who was part of the team since January 2019, revealed that employees have not received their final paychecks or the compensations mandated by the WARN Act.

Mass Layoffs and Company Shutdown

On January 31, Krohn reported “mass layoffs” that prompted various former employees to share their experiences. According to Krohn, she received notice about the layoffs on January 28, when it was revealed that 100 developers would be let go. This shocking news spread quickly through the studio.

Steven Sharif, the founder and creative director of Intrepid Studios, announced his resignation due to ethical disagreements with the board’s decisions. In his statement, he expressed concerns about the company’s direction and stated that he could not support actions he found unethical.

WARN Act Violations

The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act requires companies with over 100 employees to provide 60 days’ notice before large layoffs or closures. Intrepid Studios filed for WARN on January 31, indicating a permanent closure affecting 123 employees. Krohn emphasized that none of the affected employees received the required wages or PTO payouts as stipulated by the law.

Community and Employee Concerns

Krohn expressed her deep concern for both the players and the employees impacted by the closure. She acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the development team, stating, “We wish with all our hearts that we could give you Ashes of Creation.”

She encouraged players to seek refunds for the game due to the circumstances surrounding its development. Krohn also reassured former employees that they are actively exploring legal options and filing claims concerning unpaid wages.

Job Fair for Affected Employees

In light of the situation, Krohn announced a job fair aimed at helping former Intrepid Studios employees find new opportunities. She described her team as a family and regretted how their journey ended.

Krohn’s statements shed light on the chaotic unraveling of Intrepid Studios and its implications for employees. As the legal processes unfold, many are left anxiously awaiting resolution and clarity.

Filmogaz.com will follow this developing story closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.