The creator of Ultima is reportedly reclaiming the series’ rights back from EA, and it could happen as soon as next year
Ultima, one of PC gaming’s most historically important franchises, may be returning to its creator’s hands. Richard “Lord British” Garriott is reportedly attempting to reclaim the copyright to the series from Electronic Arts, potentially as soon as next year.
EA has owned Ultima since 1992, when it acquired developer Origin Systems. During this three-decade period, the series made an indelible mark on gaming history. The mainline CRPGs were acclaimed for their rich, dynamic worlds, while spinoffs like Ultima Underworld and Ultima Online became foundational texts in the evolution of immersive sims and MMOs respectively. The series’ influence extends to modern gaming—Ultima 7 directly inspired Larian Studios when developing Baldur’s Gate 3 and Divinity: Original Sin.
However, Ultima has largely stagnated under EA’s ownership. The last new entry was approximately eight years ago with Underworld Ascendant, which didn’t even carry the Ultima name. The franchise remains dormant. EA’s recent trademark renewals suggest the publisher may be preparing for potential legal action regarding copyright reclamation.
Garriott’s effort to recover the franchise represents a significant moment in gaming’s intellectual property landscape. It raises broader questions about creator rights, franchise stewardship, and whether publishers should maintain control of dormant properties. If successful, the reclamation could open new possibilities for reviving this classic series.