---
title: "Intrepid Studios Closes Amid Ethical Disputes and Mass Layoffs"
url: https://daily.dev/posts/intrepid-studios-closes-amid-ethical-disputes-and-mass-layoffs-dxz57qv6q
source_url: https://daily.dev/posts/intrepid-studios-closes-amid-ethical-disputes-and-mass-layoffs-dxz57qv6q
type: collection
source: "Collections"
published: 2026-02-02T16:39:08.703Z
updated: 2026-02-02T16:39:25.966Z
tags: ["startup", "game-development", "steam"]
reading_time: 1
upvotes: 1
comments: 0
language: en
---

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# Intrepid Studios Closes Amid Ethical Disputes and Mass Layoffs

**[Collections](https://daily.dev/sources/collections)** · 1 min read · 1 upvotes · 0 comments

## Summary

Intrepid Studios has shut down following co-founder Steven Sharif's resignation over ethical disputes with the board of directors. The closure triggered mass layoffs affecting approximately 240 employees and leaves the future of their Kickstarter-funded MMORPG Ashes of Creation uncertain, despite remaining available on Steam Early Access with declining player numbers.

## Content

Intrepid Studios, the developer behind the Kickstarter-funded MMORPG, Ashes of Creation, has officially shut down following significant internal strife. The game, which garnered over $3.2 million in funding through Kickstarter as one of its most successful MMO campaigns, faced management turbulence after co-founder Steven Sharif resigned. 

Sharif's departure was prompted by ethical disagreements with the board of directors, who took control and initiated decisions he considered unacceptable. This shift in control led to a cascade of resignations from senior leadership, exacerbating the studio's precarious situation. In the wake of these departures, the board proceeded to issue WARN Act notices, signaling mass layoffs across the organization, which originally housed around 240 employees.

Despite these setbacks, Ashes of Creation remains available on Steam Early Access. However, its future is shrouded in uncertainty, compounded by a steadily declining player base since its Early Access release. As of now, the game peaks at 6,599 concurrent players, with estimated total sales of 239,000 copies. Intrepid Studios' situation underscores the volatility and high stakes involved in game development, especially for crowdfunded ventures.

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Tags: [#startup](https://daily.dev/tags/startup), [#game-development](https://daily.dev/tags/game-development), [#steam](https://daily.dev/tags/steam)

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