The controversy surrounding Ashes of Creation by Intrepid Studios, which raised $3.2 million on Kickstarter, continues after the game’s removal from Steam in February. Investors and company leadership remain in a public legal dispute.
A new report from YouTube channel NefasQS published on April 11 introduces fresh claims about the project’s finances. The creators say they “obtained and processed the entire Intrepid Studios general ledger from 2015 to 2026,” which allegedly shows “a troubling picture of a company” repeatedly close to financial collapse.
The new allegations are based on a supposedly published Excel spreadsheet by NefasQS listing the studio’s payments. Some of the information allegedly shows that Sharif and his husband, John Moore, used part of the Ashes of Creation budget to fund a “lavish lifestyle.” Reported expenses include a personal chef, over $41,000 spent on auctions, purchases at a cigar retailer, and tens of thousands of dollars spent at TCG and miniature stores. The report also mentions a company called Gore Oil, which received over $81,000 and was linked to the couple’s San Diego home.
Sharif denied all allegations. “NefasQS has been fed false and defamatory information by individuals with an axe to grind,” he said, adding that the creator repeats claims without verification. He insisted there was no misuse of funds and called the accusations “categorically false.”
After the video’s release, NefasQS reported attempts to remove it and complaints against his accounts. Earlier, Sharif also claimed his “first legal victory” against the board.
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