Ashes of Creation Developers Left Without Final Pay Following Intrepid Studios Shutdown
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Former Intrepid Studios staff report that laid-off Ashes of Creation developers will not receive final paychecks or severance following the studio's sudden closure, as the game is pulled from Steam.
The abrupt closure of Intrepid Studios has taken a severe toll on the development team behind Ashes of Creation, with departing staff reporting that they will not receive final paychecks, paid time off, or standard legally mandated severance. Former communications director Margaret Krohn shared details of the studio shutdown on LinkedIn, explaining that approximately one hundred employees were let go after receiving a late Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification. According to Krohn, staff members are missing the sixty days of notice and compensation typically required under the WARN Act, leaving many facing immediate financial uncertainty despite months of hard work leading up to the game's recent Steam early access release.
The unexpected studio collapse has also sparked widespread concern among players and backers. Ashes of Creation was originally funded through a 2017 Kickstarter campaign that included provisions for refunds if the project failed to launch, leading to speculation that the December early access rollout was rushed simply to bypass those financial obligations. Adding to the confusion, creative director Steven Sharif reportedly departed shortly before the layoffs following disagreements with the studio board. While community skepticism runs high regarding the management of the project, former staff members have emphasized the dedication of the rank and file developers who poured years of effort into the ambitious online world.
Following the reports of the studio closure and unpaid staff, Steam quietly removed Ashes of Creation from sale. The abrupt end to development leaves backers and community members wondering about the future of the project and whether refunds are still attainable. As reported by Rock Paper Shotgun, the situation highlights ongoing instability within the games industry, where dedicated teams often bear the heaviest burdens when management and funding structures collapse. Original reporting and further updates on the studio situation can be found through Rock Paper Shotgun.
Tags: Ashes of Creation, Intrepid Studios, Industry News, PC Gaming, Steam
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun