Ultima Creator Richard Garriott Is Taking His Legendary RPG Series Back From Electronic Arts

Richard Garriott confirms plans to reclaim the Ultima franchise copyright from Electronic Arts under US 35-year reversion law, opening doors for classic re-releases and sequels.

One of computer gaming's most influential franchises could soon return to the person who created it. Richard Garriott has confirmed that he expects to regain the copyrights to Ultima from Electronic Arts in 2027, using a provision of American copyright law that allows creators to terminate certain transfers after 35 years. Garriott sold Origin Systems to EA in 1992 for approximately $30 million, taking the fantasy role-playing series with it. Now the man better known to longtime fans as Lord British has formally notified EA that he intends to exercise his rights. According to Garriott, the publisher acknowledged the notice and discussions are underway about possible future cooperation. He believes the change could allow him to re-release earlier Ultima games and potentially create sequels, although copyright reversion does not automatically resolve every question involving trademarks, later adaptations and existing publishing agreements. That distinction matters, particularly for a franchise with such a complicated history. Ultima helped establish many of the conventions modern RPG players take for granted, from expansive persistent worlds to morally consequential decisions. Ultima Online subsequently demonstrated the possibilities of large-scale multiplayer worlds long before most publishers understood what an MMORPG might become. The last numbered mainline entry, Ultima IX, appeared in 1999. Whether Garriott's renewed control eventually produces new games, improved preservation or simply more accessible editions of the originals remains unknown. Still, there is something wonderfully appropriate about Lord British returning to reclaim his kingdom. After decades of complicated corporate ownership, the ultimate Ultima quest may turn out to involve copyright paperwork rather than dragons.