Richard Garriott, the celebrated game designer, former astronaut, and Texas castle owner, has announced a bold move: he plans to reclaim the legendary Ultima series from Electronic Arts (EA) within the coming year. Expressing deep frustration with EA’s handling of the franchise, Garriott clarified that he will not purchase the rights outright; instead, he intends to leverage a niche copyright provision that allows original creators to regain control after a set period.
Inside Games learned of Garriott’s plans after noticing EA’s recent filing of several new trademarks for Ultima. When asked for clarification, Garriott remained tight‑lipped about EA’s motives, instead recounting a history of stalled revival attempts. “Every decade or so, I tried to work with EA on a revival of Ultima,” he told the outlet. “They always seemed interested enough to start talking, then abandon talks just as quickly.”
After selling his studio, Origin Systems, to EA in 1992 for $30 million, Garriott has been waiting for the legal window to open. The obscure copyright rule he cites grants the original creator the right to reclaim a work after 35 years, provided the work is still under copyright. While EA would keep the Ultima trademark, Garriott could develop a new title under the Ultima banner, provided it is distinctly branded from EA’s existing property.
Garriott’s plan may seem eccentric, but it fits his reputation for unconventional thinking. Ultima was one of the first and most enduring computer RPGs, spanning from the late 1970s through the 1990s. After Sierra published Ultima II, Garriott founded his own label, Origin Systems, in 1983. EA’s acquisition of Origin in 1992 freed him to pursue other ventures—hobbyist space travel, a medieval fortress outside Austin, and even a bizarre incident involving a magician who stole six figures.
In the world of gaming lore, the enigmatic figure known as “Lord British” remains a persona rather than a public figure. He has yet to clarify the specifics behind EA’s trademark claims or outline what a future installment of the legendary Ultima series might entail.
Fans are encouraged to catch his forthcoming appearance at Dragon Con in Atlanta, where he promises to share deeper insights and discuss the implications of these developments. By the time of the convention, he expects to have a clearer vision of what the next chapter in the Ultima saga could look like.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Richard Garriott’s plan to reclaim the Ultima series from EA?
Richard Garriott intends to use a niche copyright provision that allows original creators to regain control of a work after a set period—specifically the 35‑year window. Rather than buying the rights outright, he will wait until the copyright term expires and then reassert ownership of the Ultima intellectual property, while EA would retain the trademark and would need to rebrand the series.
How does the 35‑year copyright provision work in this context?
Under U.S. copyright law, works created before 1978 are protected for 95 years from publication, but creators can reclaim rights after 35 years if the work remains under copyright and the original creator has not transferred the rights. Garriott is leveraging this clause to legally regain control of Ultima after the 35‑year period has elapsed since the original publication, without having to purchase the IP from EA.
What impact could Garriott’s move have on the Ultima franchise and its fans?
If successful, Garriott could revive the Ultima series under his own direction, potentially bringing fresh content and honoring the original vision. Fans may welcome a return to the classic style, while EA would need to rebrand the series, possibly creating a new trademark. The move could also set a precedent for other legacy IPs, encouraging creators to use similar legal avenues to regain control of their works.
News Source: Kotaku
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