Intrepid Studios, Inc. Company Profile

Background

Intrepid Studios, Inc., founded in 2015, is an independent game development company headquartered in San Diego, California. The studio is dedicated to creating immersive and innovative gaming experiences, with a primary focus on developing the highly anticipated MMORPG, "Ashes of Creation." Intrepid Studios emphasizes a commitment to transparency, community engagement, and delivering games that resonate with players without incorporating pay-to-win mechanics.

Key Strategic Focus

The core objective of Intrepid Studios is to develop "Ashes of Creation," an MMORPG that offers a dynamic and player-driven world. The game utilizes advanced technologies, including Unreal Engine 5, to create a rich and immersive environment. The studio targets the global MMORPG market, aiming to attract players seeking a novel and engaging online gaming experience.

Financials and Funding

In June 2017, Intrepid Studios launched a Kickstarter campaign for "Ashes of Creation," which surpassed its initial funding goal of $750,000 in less than 12 hours, eventually raising over $3.25 million from more than 19,000 backers. This success positioned it as one of the fastest and highest-funded projects on the platform. The funds have been allocated to expand the game's scope and enhance development capabilities.

Pipeline Development

"Ashes of Creation" is the flagship project of Intrepid Studios. The game has undergone various stages of development, including alpha and beta testing phases, with continuous updates and improvements based on player feedback. The studio maintains an open development approach, regularly sharing progress and engaging with the community to refine the game.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Intrepid Studios leverages Unreal Engine 5 to develop "Ashes of Creation," enabling the creation of high-fidelity graphics and complex game mechanics. The studio's proprietary technologies focus on creating a dynamic world where player actions have meaningful consequences, fostering a unique and evolving gaming experience.

Leadership Team

Steven Sharif: Founder and CEO. Sharif is a passionate gamer and entrepreneur who established Intrepid Studios with the vision of creating player-centric games.

John Moore: Co-founder. Moore brings extensive business experience to the studio, contributing to its strategic direction and operational management.

Kevin McPherson: Lead Programmer. McPherson has a background in developing MMORPGs, including work on the "EverQuest" series.

Akil Hooper: Lead Technical Designer. Hooper's experience includes roles in "EverQuest" and "Fallout: New Vegas."

Mat Broome: Senior Character Artist. Broome has contributed to titles such as "EverQuest," "Planetside 2," and "H1Z1."

Rocco Scandizzo: Lead Economic Designer. Scandizzo holds a Ph.D. in Economics and has held positions at Activision and Vivendi Games.

Leadership Changes

In 2017, Intrepid Studios expanded its leadership team by hiring industry veterans, including Kevin McPherson, Akil Hooper, Mat Broome, and Rocco Scandizzo, to bolster the development of "Ashes of Creation."

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The MMORPG market is highly competitive, with numerous established titles and new entrants vying for player engagement. The demand for innovative and player-driven content continues to grow, presenting opportunities for studios that can deliver unique experiences.

Competitor Analysis

Intrepid Studios faces competition from several companies in the MMORPG space:

ZeniMax Online Studios: Known for "The Elder Scrolls Online," ZeniMax offers expansive worlds and rich narratives.

PeopleFun: Developers of various online games, focusing on engaging gameplay mechanics.

Midwinter Entertainment: Creators of multiplayer experiences with a focus on cooperative gameplay.

These competitors have established player bases and continue to innovate within the genre.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Intrepid Studios has engaged in partnerships to enhance the development and reach of "Ashes of Creation." Notably, the studio collaborated with MY.GAMES for publishing operations in the EU and CIS regions. However, this partnership concluded as Intrepid Studios decided to self-publish in these regions, establishing offices in Amsterdam to support these efforts.

Operational Insights

Intrepid Studios differentiates itself through a commitment to transparency and community involvement. By actively engaging with players and incorporating feedback, the studio aims to create a game that aligns closely with player expectations. This approach, combined with a focus on avoiding pay-to-win mechanics, positions Intrepid Studios uniquely in the MMORPG market.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, Intrepid Studios plans to continue the development and refinement of "Ashes of Creation," with upcoming testing phases and eventual full release. The studio's expansion into self-publishing in Europe indicates a strategic move to control more aspects of the game's distribution and community engagement. By leveraging its transparent development philosophy and focusing on player