Iconic RPG developer reclaims his game from Electronic Arts.

Richard Garriott kicked off the Ultima series in 1981, setting the stage for what would become a cornerstone of computer role-playing games. A decade later, he sold the franchise and his studio, Origin Systems, to Electronic Arts for a cool $30 million. After a brief foray into developing the MMO Tabula Rasa and enjoying a successful stint as a private astronaut, Garriott is gearing up to reclaim the Ultima rights from EA.

In a chat with Jesse Petrilla, Garriott revealed his plan to leverage a section of U.S. copyright law that allows original creators to reclaim their copyrights after 35 years, provided they notify the current holder at least a year in advance. He reached out to Electronic Arts in April 2026, and since the company has raised no objections, he’s set to regain the rights to his iconic creation in 2027.

If you were into computer RPGs during the ’90s, you likely have fond memories of Ultima. The MMO spinoff, Ultima Online, was especially influential, with its intricate in-game economy and social systems that set the bar for the genre. One of the most unforgettable moments in gaming history occurred on August 8, 1997, when Lord British was assassinated. Garriott logged in as his character, Lord British, to address a crowd of beta testers during a stress test. A player named Rainz took advantage of a server crash that had stripped Lord British of his scripted invulnerability, launching a fire spell that took down Garriott’s character. In response, the developers summoned a horde of demons that wreaked havoc on the gathered players.

In his recent interview, Garriott noted that he still needs to “figure out” his plans for the copyright once it’s back in his hands. “At the very least, it means I could re-release the earlier Ultimas, but it also means I could sequel them,” he stated. The Ultima series has always been at the forefront of innovation, but the gaming landscape has evolved significantly in the 21st century. Given Garriott’s adventurous spirit, including a 12-day journey aboard the International Space Station in 2008, it’s clear he won’t shy away from the challenge.