**Richard Garriott’s Desire to Regain the Ultima Series: A New Era for the Classic RPG**
Richard Garriott, the celebrated game designer, astronaut, and owner of a Texas castle, has proclaimed his plan to reassert control over the legendary *Ultima* series, a foundational aspect of role-playing games (RPGs) that he sold to Electronic Arts (EA) during the 1990s. In a recent statement to *Inside Games*, Garriott conveyed his dissatisfaction with EA’s oversight of the series, which has not seen a mainline release since 1999. His ambitious initiative to reclaim the series may come to fruition as early as next year, leveraging a unique copyright clause rather than a standard acquisition.
The motivation behind Garriott’s announcement is his concern regarding EA’s recent actions involving the *Ultima* trademarks. After several trademark applications by EA, Garriott expressed urgency and a history of unsuccessful partnerships with the company related to rejuvenating *Ultima*. “Every decade or so, I attempted to collaborate with EA on a revival of *Ultima*,” he remarked, emphasizing the ongoing collapse of negotiations that once seemed promising.
Garriott’s approach to recovering the *Ultima* series is rooted in copyright legislation, specifically a clause that enables original creators to regain rights to their creations after 35 years. Since Garriott sold Origin Systems, his studio, to EA in 1992, he believes this law can be utilized to initiate development on fresh *Ultima* content. Yet, one significant constraint persists: while he may have the ability to create a new *Ultima* game, EA holds the trademark for the series, implying that any new entry would necessitate distinct branding.
This unorthodox strategy aligns perfectly with Garriott’s character. He has consistently been recognized for his trailblazing mindset, both in gaming and his personal pursuits. The *Ultima* series, which thrived from the late 1970s through the 1990s, introduced many foundational aspects of contemporary RPGs. Garriott founded Origin Systems following the success of *Ultima III*, and after its acquisition by EA for $30 million, he directed resources toward endeavors that mirrored his distinct worldview, including space travel and the building of a medieval castle in Texas.
Despite the ambiguity surrounding the specifics of EA’s recent trademark filings and what a potential *Ultima* game might involve, Garriott remains hopeful. He invites fans to attend his upcoming appearance at Dragon Con in Atlanta, where he intends to share further insights and plans regarding the future of the beloved franchise.
In conclusion, Richard Garriott’s pursuit to reclaim *Ultima* not only reflects his deep connection to the series but also signifies a possible revival of one of gaming’s most treasured franchises. As he navigates the intricacies of copyright and trademark legislation, the gaming community eagerly anticipates the opportunities that lie ahead.
