Ultima Rights Could Return to Richard Garriott in 2027
Garriott told EA in April 2026 that he intends to reclaim the copyrights, and the two sides are discussing whether to work together.
Ultima’s rights could return to series creator Richard Garriott in 2027. He told EA in April 2026 that he intends to reclaim the copyrights, and says the publisher acknowledged his notice and is discussing whether they might work together on future Ultima projects.
In an interview with Jesse Petrilla, Garriott identified Section 203 of the U.S. Copyright Act as the basis for reclaiming the rights. He said the provision allows an original rights holder to terminate a transferred copyright after 35 years with one year’s notice, without another payment. EA remains the rights holder for now.
Garriott has said regaining control could let him re-release earlier Ultima games or make sequels. He and EA are in active discussions, but neither option is a confirmed project.
How Ultima rights left Origin
Garriott sold Origin Systems, which he cofounded with his brother and father, to EA in 1992 for $30 million, transferring the Ultima rights as part of the deal. He went on to direct several games in the series and produce the MMORPG Ultima Online. The last mainline entry was 1999’s Ultima IX: Ascension. Following its poor reception, EA canceled Origin’s in-development projects, and Garriott left soon afterward. EA shut down Origin in 2004.
In the decades since, EA has tried twice to revive Ultima as a free-to-play game, most recently with 2013’s Ultima Forever.
What would you want to see from Ultima if Garriott regains the rights? Follow the ongoing rights discussions and any confirmed plans on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram, Steam, and Telegram.
