This is thanks to a rule in US copyright law which allows creators (or their heirs) to reclaim a copyrighted work after a period of 35 years. Since Garriott sold the Ultima rights to EA in 1992, this means he can reclaim those rights in 2027.
this post was submitted on 22 Jun 2026
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There's still time.
Also, fuck EA.
But use protection. We don't want it to procreate!
If he got ahold of it and worked with someone like Larian, I'd have hope. But the last thing he was working on, was an NFT MMO. The last game he worked on "Shroud of the Avatar: Forsaken Virtues" has... mixed reviews on Steam.
I loved UO back in the day. But, things have changed since then and we have far more options in terms of games. A lot of games back in the day, had a lot of tedious mechanics that just weren't fun.
With MMOs it turns out the creators of the game actually have very little control over whether or not youll enjoy yourself. I have incredible memories of a F2P MMO with obvious P2W mechanics, and have nothing but bitter memories from WoW, the world-renowned household name thats practically become the face of the genre.
I remember Glen Frey of the Eagles arguing this in front of Congress but I had no idea it passed.
This needs to become a revolution for workers. The architect that designed Glen Frey's mansion needs to terminate the copyright and take back ownership.
The architect [that] designed Glen Frey's mansion needs to terminate the copyright and take back ownership.
Taking back the rights doesn't take back the units.
The arch who designed Glen Frey's house can take back the rights to the plans, but can't take the house itself -- no more than Nickelback can demand the return of all 20 CDs sold in their lifetime even if they own the creative rights to the music on them.
The architect, though, can re-use those plans if Rick Astley wanted the identical mansion.
I would like all legal explanations to be explained in terms of nickelback sucking.
Brian Gaar mentioned 💪💪💪
Lord British, you legend! I wish you the best of luck.
Ultimate online is still by far the game where I have my fondest memories. I could really go for another round of that…
I love reading about the assassination of Lord British right at the end of the beta before a player wipe was about to happen.
I loved UO when I was a kid, but I am not sure I could ever have the patience and dedication needed for such a game these days. Still though, so many fond memories from the Europa and Drachenfels servers. Would be amazing to relive, but can by brain handle it these days?
I don't doubt I'd get the brain to handle the load or die trying... Somehow the dedication in UO felt more rewarding than current systems. Lemme do 1000000 potions to level alchemy and bake 100000 breads.... it was so open.
It really was something else. I never quite got into the crafting, but going to the cities to strike up conversation with the smiths to get my gear repaired or other services I needed from the people playing crafters was an experience I've never really seen anywhere else. Everything and everyone had their place in that game world.
His headshot is hysterical
If I were to grasp for a level of gaming hell deeper than EA, it'd be Richard Garriott. By several floors.
Am I missing something? What'd he do?
I read through his Wikipedia entry and the only thing I can see is he tried to make an nft mmo but it never got off the ground. Other than that he seems like a genuinely great guy.