Richard Garriott is officially regaining control of the Ultima series

Richard Garriott announced that he will regain control of the Ultima series from Electronic Arts in 2027. The announcement specifies that the transfer will happen through a legal mechanism that allows the original creator to recover the intellectual property after a defined period. Wccftech highlighted the use of a “really weird” 35‑year copyright law that allegedly incurs no cost.

Polygon.com framed the move as a legendary RPG creator taking his game back, while Video Games Chronicle confirmed that Garriott is officially regaining control. The cited 35‑year copyright provision suggests that a statutory period has elapsed, allowing the original author to reclaim ownership without paying fees. This legal pathway, while uncommon, aligns with provisions that reset rights after a multi‑decade interval.

Future monitoring should focus on any formal legal filings by Garriott or EA, as well as public statements confirming the exact date of the rights transfer. Announcements of new Ultima projects, funding rounds, or development partnerships would signal how Garriott plans to use the reclaimed IP. Additionally, responses from Electronic Arts in press releases or shareholder communications will clarify the company’s stance on relinquishing the franchise.