Steven Sharif

Storytelling is woven into our human existence. From cave walls to the silver screen, we have passed down knowledge, shared our values, and made sense of the world through stories. Some teach us empathy, some thrill us, and some provoke thoughts that we might otherwise never consider. Truly great stories are a confluence of many creative paths inviting us into worlds unknown, yet somehow familiar. Every once in a while, the tapestry of fate delivers a truly gifted person that brings to life a character with the power to change the world. Sir Patrick Stewart was such a person. Thank you for the story you lived, and those you brought to life.

On the eve of our Steam Early Access launch tomorrow, there’s a certain quiet that settles over the team. Not silence exactly, but a calm before the storm. It’s a moment where everyone has done everything they can to prepare, and now we brace for impact. Developing an MMORPG like Ashes is filled with battles most never see, victories measured in lines of code, art passes, design revisions, late nights, and the stubborn belief that a world can be built from nothing but imagination and will. Alpha and Beta are skirmishes along the way. Campaigns where we’ve invited others into the fight, where our players become part of the team, helping shape the battlefield alongside us. Tonight feels like that moment before stepping onto the bridge… a quiet walk through the ship… taking stock of everyone who brought us this far, and everyone who’s about to join us tomorrow. It brings to mind a poignant scene, a captain facing overwhelming odds being asked why he bothers with this quiet ritual before battle. His answer was simple: “We may yet prevail.” As we approach tomorrow, I feel a steady confidence in what’s ahead. Not loud, not boastful, just the calm knowing that thousands of hands and hearts helped bring us here. Early Access will test us, teach us, and strengthen us. And I’m grateful to be taking that step with all of you. See you soon in Verra. 💪

Last week, we announced that @AshesofCreation will be entering Steam Early Access on December 11th. It’s a milestone years in the making, and an opportunity to bring a wider audience into the world we’ve been building and to carry that momentum with us as we push toward Beta next year. It comes at a time when the climate for western game studios has been anything but gentle. I’ve watched projects I was personally excited for, some built on beloved IPs with veteran leaders and large publishers, close their doors in the MMORPG space. And yet, despite the challenges, the demand for meaningful, ambitious online worlds remains as strong as ever. The landscape is shifting. The rise of AI-assisted development, globalized talent markets, and a funding environment increasingly geared toward leaner teams and tighter scopes has left many in our genre asking whether the golden age of MMOs is behind us. I don’t believe that for a moment. Not only do I think the best days for MMOs aren’t over, I believe the next era of the genre is just beginning, shaped by teams willing to take risks, innovate boldly, and resist the pressure to dilute vision in the name of convenience or market data. We’ve chosen a player-first approach since day one. Open development, real feedback, and a willingness to iterate in the open. It’s slower, harder, and far more vulnerable, but we believe it can create better games. I’m endlessly grateful, to our team, our community, and every person who’s believed in this vision. None of this happens without you. See you on the 11th 💪❤️

I am saddened to see the decision to layoff the incredibly passionate and talented team at @amazongames and the ending of @playnewworld. And it seems with the recent announcements from Zenimax and Netease cancelling development on their MMOs, western MMO development has taken another hard hit. The industry isn’t in the best place right now, and the passionate people who make these glorious worlds suffer most from decisions often beyond their control, and in many cases, despite their success. When I started Intrepid, it was with a desire to lift the veil on MMO development, in the hopes that my fellow gamers could see and share in the process of building one of the most complex, costly, and challenging endeavors a team can take on. As players, we often don’t see the blood, sweat, and tears that go into creating the games we love. But behind every project are real people who grew up just like us, playing, dreaming, and falling in love with this genre. It’s always easier to criticize. Easier still to doubt. But true heroes are those who dare to dream… who build, create, and push forward through uncertainty and fear, even when the current feels against them. Negativity, whether in boardrooms or comment sections, only stifles innovation and squanders opportunity. There is no easier job than to play the cynic, and no harder one than to keep pushing forward when faith wears thin. A lot of talented developers lost their jobs today. Whether you’re an executive, a creator, or a player, when the time comes to show support for those who take the risks to make the games we all fell in love with, remember: your voice can mean the world. To all those affected, stay strong, keep your heads high, and above all else… just keep swimming. ❤️

Today was a day of reflection, not just as a country or society, but as an individual. The world looked very different on September 11th, 24 years ago. In such a short span, so much has changed. We live with more division than many of us can remember, and we’ve momentarily misplaced the civility and mutual respect that once made our nation a beacon on the hill. The drums of war beat domestically and abroad. Role models in public view are scarce, yet voices are louder than ever. Truth has become subjective, facts are up for debate, and intent is lost in the fog. A calmer voice must prevail. Reason and compromise must win the day… not for us, but for those who will inherit what we leave behind. This week was somber, but it started different… September 8th was Star Trek Day, a franchise John and I have always loved. As a kid, I imagined how incredible it would be to grow up in a future like Star Trek. And sometimes I think if only we all watched just a little more Star Trek, our world might be a better place. We’ve only just begun our journey as a species in this vast universe. Let’s not resign ourselves to a whisper in time… when the alternative could be something truly epic. 🖖

Had an awesome visit to the Doctor today! Really enjoyed the QnA about @AshesofCreation with @AshesofRelation at TheCopiumClinic. 💪🙏 youtu.be/gtL1IWZ2_w4?si=GewA…

The United States was forged in revolution, founded by a people willing to die for their beliefs of what was right and just. What has followed since our beginnings 249 years ago is the greatest social experiment our species has ever witnessed, an imperfect but enduring social contract. And despite our many differences, there remains far more that unites us, than that which divides us. The voice of freedom knows many tongues, but one spirit. For those who are celebrating, may your BBQs burn bright, your drinks stay cold, and may your food buffs last longer than your relatives’ political opinions 🤣❤️ Happy birthday America 🇺🇸

Today in the United States we honor the fallen heroes who gave their lives in the service of something greater. Our history is not always perfect, but there is something unique about a society whose people are willing to give everything to protect the hopes, freedoms and future of others. Some, it seems, are still intent on continuing with the pain and suffering of vulnerable people. May those who lead, resolve the conflicts of our present day and pursue a path forward for humanity of peace and cooperation. I hope you are each somewhere safe with friends and family, enjoying a beautiful day and remembering those who made it possible.❤️🙏

Tomorrow the jungles of Vandagar begin to wake from their long slumber, the Jundark calls.

Last week, we had a pretty big patch to the @AshesofCreation Alpha Two. Giant systems like Naval warfare, Node sieges, Relics, the Turquoise Sea zone, and a lot of other changes went live on Thursday for our glorious testers. Watching the community engage with these new features and content has been a blast. It’s been especially awesome to see a flood of new Rogues litter the battlefield! There are already some awesome guides talking through the archetype design. Special shoutout to @RitchieSH for writing our Rogue Preview script! Take a look if you missed the reveal. How many have had a chance to try out the archetype? What our your thoughts? 💪❤️ youtu.be/VnECi_F0mQw?si=5aep…

Just wrapped up an incredible week at the D.I.C.E. Summit in Las Vegas, connecting with friends and fellow industry executives and discussing Ashes of Creation’s Alpha Two successes and moments of learning. It’s inspiring to see so much excitement for the MMO genre and what we’re building at Intrepid. This year marks a major shift for us—navigating active development alongside a live audience of testers helping in refining our systems and content in real-time. Looking back at where we were just a year ago, the progress is staggering. It is truly inspiring the support from our industry. So many of the minds behind our most beloved franchises are, at their core, just gamers wanting to bring joy to others. This trip was a reminder of why we do what we do—my tank is full, and I’m more motivated than ever. Let’s goooo!!💪 #DICESummit #AshesOfCreation #MMORPG #GameDev

I have to say, Ashes has been a bit of a melting pot for gamers of various interest. From PvPers to PvEers, Explorers to RPers, Crafters and Homemakers. In part, this diversity stems from my own eclectic style as an mmo player. I sort of love it all, and I feel part of each of these player types. In a way, as players we follow similar habits in game as we do in life. We find like minded groups in society, and we plant our flags. This sense of tribalism is engrained in our minds, as a survival mechanism. It’s how we made it out of the Stone Age as a species, and built civilization. But I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the sentiment of engaging with people who may not share your tribe. In a world where algorithms push us deeper into echo chambers, it’s more important than ever to engage with people who see the world differently. Talking with those of opposing views isn’t about agreeing with everything they say—it’s about fostering understanding. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when we listen, learn, and challenge our own perspectives. If we only surround ourselves with those who think the same way, we lose the opportunity to learn from others. We have more in common than what divides us, but we’ll never know that if we refuse to have the conversation. I’ll never shy away from difficult discussions. Understanding your fellow humans requires seeing them, hearing them, and, yes, sometimes disagreeing with them. We don’t have to agree with everyone we talk to. But we should be willing to talk. That’s how bridges are built. That’s how progress is made. As the director for Ashes, I enjoy engaging with everyday players in the alpha. Casuals, sweat lords, small streamers, big streamers… everyone has a unique perspective. One of the things that I appreciate about @PirateSoftware is his desire to help foster better understanding of game development with such a large audience. It’s a refreshing take for a developer to see on a daily basis. So keep doing you brother 💪❤️

Merry Christmas from our family to yours. I hope you are all somewhere safe and warm, enjoying the company of friends and family. May your bellies be full and your hearts stay content. ❤️🙏🎄

This last month, we shipped the first phase of our Alpha Two for @AshesofCreation. This was a huge accomplishment for the team. The community has been having a blast so far! I sat down for a very fun interview with @PirateSoftware and his awesome community of goblins. If you didn’t catch it, feel free to check it out and let me know what you think on the topics discussed. youtu.be/-xJ-4CPljuo?si=7o6M…

I had a great time with the Voices of Verra podcast yesterday! A lot of great questions and good peoples. youtu.be/1g2uxQfAJqA?si=xow4…

I don't think you're ready... This month's bard will be wearing the beautiful Rosethorn set found only within the Citadel of the Steelbloom! 🔥🔥🔥

We spend so much effort on the little that divides us, we lose sight of everything we share that can unite us.

Thank you everyone for the well wishes. What a cool gift from the team today. I am humbled by the supportive and kind community we have with Ashes. Much love to you all ❤️

Was trying to login today to test and all my gear was missing!! Thankfully the failed to connect window was well positioned...😂🤣