Ultima
News, coverage and analysis tracking Ultima across the outlets.
Latest coverage
"I'm pretty sure I mean it" - Legendary game developer Warren Spector announces retirement
Legendary game developer Warren Spector, known for his work on Deus Ex and the founding of the immersive sim genre, has announced his retirement after a 44-year career. Spector expressed mixed feelings but cited the changing game industry and a desire to pursue other interests like writing and lecturing as reasons for his departure. He encouraged the next generation of developers to continue innovating and experimenting in game design.
OG Fallout was "entirely different" from foundational RPGs like Ultima because those games "expect you to be good," says co-creator: "Fallout has no such expectation"
Original Fallout co-creator Tim Cain discusses how the series' focus on exploring the ethics of a post-nuclear world, with its absence of authority and gray morality, differentiates it from foundational RPGs like Ultima. He emphasizes that Fallout's core appeal lies in allowing players to make their own choices and face the consequences, rather than expecting them to adhere to a predetermined moral code.
'The last time I liked everything about a game was probably Baldur's Gate 3': Raphael Colantonio, co-founder of Arkane Studios, talks us through the games installed on his PC
Raphaël Colantonio, co-founder of Arkane Studios and WolfEye Studios, discusses the games installed on his PC, highlighting Baldur's Gate 3 as the last game he "liked everything about." He shares his thoughts on current plays like Mewgenics and Cyberpunk 2077, his enduring love for immersive sims like Thief and Deus Ex, and his early PC gaming roots with Ultima 7.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 573: Project Demogorgon
The Massively OP Podcast episode 573 covers SpiritVale's early access launch, Dungeons and Dragons Online's Terror of Demogorgon expansion, and the cancellations of Overwatch Stadium and Final Fantasy XIV Mobile. Hosts Bree and Justin also discuss Richard Garriott's comments on Ultima and the predictability of MMO experiences.
MMO Week in Review: Lament for Elder Scrolls Online
Microsoft's decision to lay off a significant portion of The Elder Scrolls Online team has led to further management turnover and a restructuring of the studio. This week's MMO news also covers the early access launch of SpiritVale, the cancellation of Final Fantasy XIV Mobile, and discussions on lessons for Guild Wars 3.
Richard Garriott vaguely references Ultima plans, including using Shroud of the Avatar as a testbed
Richard Garriott vaguely discussed potential plans for the Ultima series during a birthday livestream, mentioning ongoing discussions about regaining copyright and hoping for more substantial news by DragonCon. He and Chris Spears of Catnip Games suggested using Shroud of the Avatar as a testbed for new Ultima concepts, while Spears also provided updates on Shroud of the Avatar's backend improvements and future episodes.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 570: Card Wars 3
The Massively OP Podcast episode 570 covers various MMO industry news, including Guild Wars' card game, a potential ArcheAge revival, and Richard Garriott's interest in Ultima. Discussions also touch on World of Warcraft's upcoming patch, Dungeons and Dragons Online's new race, and EverQuest Legends pre-orders.
Ultima's creator Richard Garriott is planning to win back the rights to his legendary RPG from EA with an 50-year-old copyright quirk
Ultima creator Richard Garriott plans to reclaim the rights to the legendary RPG series from Electronic Arts using a provision in the Copyright Act of 1976 that allows authors to reclaim copyright after 35 years. Garriott, also known as Lord British, stated that he intends to regain all copyrights to his original work, though he acknowledges that this would grant him ownership of the copyright rather than the trademark, meaning he could create a game similar to Ultima but not use the 'Ultima' name.
As EA appear to renew the trademark for Ultima, its creator lies in wait to reclaim the game's copyright next year
Electronic Arts has renewed trademarks for the Ultima series, prompting discussions about its future. Series creator Richard Garriott revealed he has been attempting to work with EA on an Ultima revival for years and plans to reclaim the copyright in 2027, when the 35-year term expires. While EA would retain the trademark, Garriott aims to regain copyright for his original work under a new title like 'Lord British's Ultima'.
It seems a copyright law quirk will finally let Lord British reclaim Ultima from EA’s clutches
A quirk in copyright law may allow Richard Garriott, also known as Lord British, to reclaim the Ultima franchise from Electronic Arts. The article suggests that legal technicalities could lead to the return of the classic RPG series' rights.
Lord British May Regain Ultima Copyright
Richard "Lord British" Garriott is reportedly planning to regain the copyright for his seminal role-playing game series, Ultima. The series was a pioneer in PC gaming and helped define the genre.
Ultima creator Richard Garriott now claims he could regain the series’ copyright by next year
Ultima creator Richard Garriott claims he may regain the copyright for the series from Electronic Arts by 2027, citing a 35-year rule in copyright law. While EA currently operates Ultima Online, Garriott expressed past frustrations with the company's handling of potential revivals. This news comes amidst EA filing new trademarks for the Ultima series.
The creator of Ultima is reportedly reclaiming the series' rights back from EA, and it could happen as soon as next…
Richard Garriott, the creator of the Ultima series, is reportedly set to reclaim the copyright to the franchise from Electronic Arts in 2027 due to a 35-year copyright reversion law. While EA will retain the trademark, Garriott plans to develop new titles under a name like "Lord British's Ultima".
New Ultima trademarks filed by EA, but don't get too excited
Electronic Arts has filed new trademarks for the Ultima series, covering downloadable PC games and online experiences. While this suggests potential activity, it may also be routine intellectual property protection, as there have been no new single-player installments since 1999. Creator Richard Garriott has expressed interest in a revival, and Larian Studios has been mentioned as a potential developer.
Japanese gamers reveal their favourite games and the answers might surprise you
A survey by Japanese magazine Famitsu revealed that RPGs dominate the preferences of Japanese gamers, with series like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy being highly influential and desired. Nintendo was named the nation's favorite developer, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was a top pick for recommendations and replaying. The survey highlights a significant difference in gaming tastes compared to Western markets, with a strong emphasis on adventure and anime-style games in Japan.
Quoteworthy
Thirty-seven years ago, Robert Garriott of Ultima expressed concerns about an oversaturated PC game market. This sentiment highlights a recurring discussion within the gaming industry regarding market viability and competition.
Ultima's Robert Garriott was worried about there being too many PC games on the market… 37 years ago
In 1989, Robert Garriott of Origin Systems expressed concern about market saturation in PC gaming, noting consumer confusion and the need for higher quality products. He emphasized developing games with depth and graphics that couldn't be replicated on consoles, a sentiment still relevant today.
The best CRPG docuseries on YouTube just covered Ultima 8 with a 3-hour retrospective
A YouTube docuseries by Majuular, focusing on CRPGs, has released a three-hour retrospective on Ultima VIII: Pagan. The series explores the game's history, development, and its significant influence on the CRPG genre, despite Ultima VIII not being the most acclaimed entry in the series.
Tabletop gaming saved videogame RPGs
Tabletop gaming mechanics have significantly influenced the evolution of video game RPGs, leading to greater player agency and more creative combat systems. Games like Disco Elysium and Baldur's Gate 3 demonstrate this trend, offering deep role-playing experiences that owe a debt to tabletop origins. This approach is proving successful for both large and small studios, revitalizing the genre.
