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How It Works • Games & Tech

Ultima

Ultima is a series of fantasy computer role-playing games created by Richard Garriott and originally developed by Origin Systems.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Ultima is a landmark fantasy role-playing game series created by Richard Garriott and originally developed by Origin Systems. With nine main games and the pioneering Ultima Online, it helped define the role-playing genre.

What it is

Ultima is a fantasy computer role-playing game series created by Richard Garriott. It is known for open-ended gameplay, morality systems, and detailed world-building. The first game, Ultima I: The First Age of Darkness, was released in 1981.

Why it matters

The series is widely regarded as one of the most influential RPG franchises in video game history. Its brand is currently owned by Electronic Arts. Ultima Online, launched in 1997, was one of the earliest and longest-running massively multiplayer online role-playing games.

Key details

The main Ultima series includes nine numbered games, released from 1981 to 1999. Although no longer actively developed, the franchise remains a landmark, relevant to Canadian players interested in classic RPGs and digital game preservation.

In short

  • Fantasy RPG series created by Richard Garriott
  • Nine main games released from 1981 to 1999
  • Ultima Online is a pioneering MMORPG
  • Brand owned by Electronic Arts
Canadian angle

Ultima is relevant to Canadian readers as a landmark in global video game history, especially for players interested in classic RPGs, digital game preservation, and online game communities.

Quick questions

What is Ultima?
Ultima is a fantasy computer role-playing game series created by Richard Garriott and originally developed by Origin Systems.
Who created Ultima?
Richard Garriott created Ultima.
What is Ultima Online?
Ultima Online is a multiplayer online role-playing game set in the Ultima universe, launched in 1997.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultima_(series)
    Supports: States that Ultima is an open-world fantasy role-playing series created by Richard Garriott and notes Electronic Arts has owned the brand since 1992.
  2. Wikipediahttps://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultima_(computerspelserie)
    Supports: Notes the first game was released in 1981, the last main entry in 1999, and that Ultima Online was a multiplayer variant.
  3. Hardcore Gaming 101https://www.hardcoregaming101.net/ultima-series-introduction/
    Supports: Describes Ultima as spanning from 1979/1981 through 1999 and reports more than twenty entries in the broader franchise.
  4. Giant Bombhttps://www.giantbomb.com/ultima/3025-247/
    Supports: Describes the main series as nine installments and identifies Ultima Online as one of the first successful MMORPGs.
  5. MobyGameshttps://www.mobygames.com/group/88/ultima-series/
    Supports: Describes Ultima as a series of fantasy computer role-playing games created by Richard Garriott and centered on Britannia.
  6. TechRaptorhttps://techraptor.net/gaming/features/ultima-rise-fall-rpg-giant
    Supports: States that EA owns the Ultima copyright and that classic titles remain available through modern distribution channels.