Steven Sharif, creative director of the popular role-playing video game, Ashes of Creation, has resigned from Intrepid Studios after a dispute with the Board of Directors. According to MMORPG, Sharif alleges the Board is making unethical decisions that he cannot agree with.

“I can make a limited statement in my personal capacity and not on behalf of the company, regarding the situation,” Sharif said in a statement, per MMORPG. “Control of the company shifted away from me, and the Board began directing actions that I could not ethically agree with or carry out. As a result, I chose to resign in protest rather than lend my name or authority to decisions I could not ethically support.” 

Sharif also said “much of the senior leadership team” has resigned along with him.

“Following those departures, the Board made the decision to issue WARN Act notices and proceed with a mass layoff,” he said.

Communications Director Margaret Krohn confirmed on social media that she is among the employees leaving Intrepid Studios.

“My time at Intrepid Studios has officially ended,” Krohn wrote.

She also showed gratitude to the Ashes of Creation community, saying, “you are some of the most passionate, dedicated players I’ve ever seen in this industry.”

“I genuinely wish I could have done more for you. I gave everything I had, and did my very best with what was within my power,” Krohn wrote. “And I ask one last favor of you, please be kind to the developers, we are people who have families who have just lost our jobs after pouring our hearts and souls into Ashes of Creation.”

Why did Steven Sharif disagree with the Board of Directors?

Sharif said he can’t give much details about the reason for his dispute with the board due to legal reasons.

“I cannot responsibly speak to further details at this time due to ongoing legal and governance matters,” he said. “What I can say is that the developers and staff acted in good faith and deserved better than the uncertainty they are now facing. I am incredibly dismayed by the situation.”

According to MMORPG, the latest departures come after the company laid off several employees earlier this month.

What’s next for Ashes of Creation?

Ashes of Creation, which was released in December, is now facing the possibility of getting shut down. According to Insider Gaming, the entire Ashes of Creation team has been laid off. Adding to the challenge, the company is facing financial difficulties, and it’s struggling to process the final checks. Still, the game remains live on Steam so far, per Insider Gaming. 

People who played the game for less than two hours may still be eligible for refunds. Gamers who played more than two hours may not be able to get refunds, but they are still advised to contact customer service.