Richard Garriott, the visionary behind the seminal Ultima RPG series, is set to reclaim the copyright for his creation from Electronic Arts in 2027. Garriott, often known by his in-game moniker Lord British, officially notified EA of his intention to invoke a provision in U.S. copyright law that allows creators to reclaim rights after 35 years. This provision requires the original holder to provide at least one year's advance written notice, a step Garriott took in April 2026.
Electronic Arts has not raised objections to the reclamation, paving the way for Garriott to regain full control of the franchise he first launched in 1981. The sale of his studio, Origin Systems, and the Ultima series to EA occurred approximately a decade after the original game's release for $30 million.
Garriott, who also ventured into space as a private astronaut in 2008, expressed his contemplation of future endeavors with the regained intellectual property. In a recent interview, he stated that regaining the copyright means he could potentially re-release the earlier Ultima titles, and more significantly, develop new sequels. The series, known for its groundbreaking contributions to the computer RPG genre, set standards with titles like Ultima Online, which featured sophisticated in-game economies and social dynamics.
One of the most memorable events in Ultima Online's history occurred on August 8, 1997, during a stress test for beta testers. While Garriott, playing as Lord British, was addressing the players, an exploit allowed a player to circumvent his character's scripted invulnerability. This led to Lord British's demise by fire spell, followed by a developer-instigated onslaught of demons that eliminated other players. This event remains a notable moment in gaming history.
With the rights to the franchise secured, Garriott faces the prospect of navigating the modern gaming landscape. The evolution of technology and creative approaches in game development since the original Ultima's heyday presents both challenges and opportunities for the legendary creator as he considers the future of the beloved series.