A recent announcement from the developers of Ashes of Creation, Intrepid Studios, has left many gamers anxious as rumors of a potential studio shutdown circulate. With no official confirmation regarding the future of the MMORPG, players are contemplating whether they should seek refunds after several layoffs triggered questions about the game’s viability.

Ashes of Creation was funded through a Kickstarter campaign that amassed over $3.2 million starting in 2017. It briefly entered early access for $50 in December. However, following the recent layoff announcements by Director Steven Sharif via Discord, uncertainty looms over what lies ahead for the game’s loyal community.

Former Head of Marketing Margaret Krohn expressed in a heartfelt message that affected employees were informed about massive layoffs, citing a strong sentiment among them:

“In the end, none of us are receiving our final paychecks, the 60-days notice and pay as outlined under the WARN Act, PTO payouts, or other compensation owed… You should pursue a refund, you deserve it.”

This sentiment echoes through the gaming community, as Krohn believes that those who invested in the game during its development phase have every right to seek compensation. The situations encountered by other crowdfunded games that failed to deliver grand promises highlights an alarming trend. While Steam has recently removed the option to purchase Ashes of Creation, there’s anticipation for a potential refund procedure akin to what was offered to backers of similar failed titles.

With the spotlight now cast on Ashes of Creation, the overarching question remains: Will players reclaim their investments, and will the game see the light of day? Stay tuned for updates as both the player base and the studio confront this significant moment in gaming history.