Ultima Creator Eyes 2027 Copyright Reversion as EA Renews Trademarks
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Series creator Richard Garriott is preparing to reclaim the copyrights to Ultima in 2027 under US copyright law, just as Electronic Arts moves to renew trademarks for the classic roleplaying franchise.
Classic roleplaying history is brewing up a potential showdown as Electronic Arts moves to renew its trademarks for the legendary Ultima franchise. According to a report by PC Gamer and Inside Games, series creator Richard Garriott is positioning himself to reclaim the underlying copyrights to his foundational work under US copyright law. The statute allows creators to claw back rights after 35 years have passed. Because EA acquired the property back in 1992, the milestone arrives in 2027, setting the stage for a major turning point in gaming heritage.
Garriott noted in recent interviews that past attempts to collaborate with EA on a franchise revival repeatedly stalled out after initial discussions. With the reversion window finally opening, the creator has signaled intent to take back his original work under a distinct banner, tentatively pointing toward a future project that bears his signature persona. Navigating this revival will not be entirely straightforward. While copyright covers the original source code and audiovisual assets, EA still holds the distinct legal trademarks for the brand name and specific characters. That means any upcoming spiritual successor might need to dance around the official title unless a larger agreement is reached.
For players who treat gaming history as more than just a backlog, this development opens up fascinating questions about digital ownership, legacy properties, and who gets to steward foundational worlds. Garriott plans to share more details about his vision during an appearance at Dragon Con later this year. Whether the future brings an official EA revival or a brand new independent chapter carrying the spirit of Lord British, the community is watching closely to see how this piece of gaming royalty finds its footing in the modern era. You can read the original reporting over at Rock Paper Shotgun.
Tags: Ultima, PC Gaming, Gaming History, EA, Richard Garriott
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun