Richard Garriott Reclaims Ultima Rights from EA

Ever dreamed of a new Ultima game? Well, that dream might be one step closer to reality. Richard Garriott, the legendary creator of the Ultima series, has officially confirmed that he will soon regain the copyright from Electronic Arts. That's right—after years under EA's umbrella, the rights to the classic RPG franchise are coming back to their original mastermind.

The news comes straight from Garriott himself, who shared the update without diving into too many specifics. But the key takeaway is clear: the copyright is reverting to him. For longtime fans, this is huge. Ultima is one of the foundational series in computer RPGs, and Garriott—often called Lord British—has been its guiding force since the beginning.

So what does this actually mean? For starters, it opens the door for Garriott to do... well, something with Ultima again. Whether that's a new game, a remaster, or just ensuring the legacy is handled with care, the ball is now in his court. EA has held the rights for ages, and while the publisher hasn't done much with the franchise lately, this shift could change everything.

Of course, we don't know the exact timeline or what Garriott plans to do next. He simply said he'll regain the copyright "soon." That's it. No details on whether a new Ultima is in development or if he's just tying up loose ends. But even the possibility is enough to get fans excited.

Let's be real: Ultima has been dormant for a long time. The last mainline entry was Ultima IX: Ascension back in 1999, and aside from a few spin-offs and re-releases, the series has been quiet. Garriott himself moved on to other projects like Shroud of the Avatar, but the allure of Ultima never faded. Now, with the rights back in his hands, he has the freedom to chart a new course.

For players, this could mean a revival of a beloved world—or at least a proper celebration of its history. Imagine a modern take on Britannia, or even a collection of the classics done right. It's all speculation for now, but the fact that Garriott is getting the rights back is a concrete step toward something.

We'll have to wait and see what Garriott does next. In the meantime, what do you think? Are you hoping for a new Ultima, or just glad the series is back with its creator? Let us know in the comments!