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Life has taken a downward series of turns for Richard Garriott, the legendary game developer behindUltima 7. His groundbreaking design philosophy and intricate world-building inspired generations of developers, including Bethesda’s Todd Howard, who countsUltima 7as his favorite game. But his legacy has been overshadowed by recent events.
The mishandling of the Kickstarter-fundedShroud of the Avatarand a failed blockchain MMO project have tarnished his reputation. Earlier this year Garriott suggested on social media that he might reacquireUltima Onlineback from Electronic Arts. But can Garriott restore his legacy, or has his time passed?
Richard Garriott’s Career Has Had The Highest High But Also The Lowest Lows
In August 2024, Richard Garriott surprised fans by hinting at reclaimingUltima Online(UO), the revolutionary MMORPG that debuted in 1997. Its elements influenced countless modern games, anddevelopers like Todd Howardcontinue to draw inspiration from Garriott’s work.
In August, Garriott responded to a fan’s suggestion on social media to crowdfund the game’s purchase from EA, Garriott replied, “I believe I will get it back ‘soon.’”
I believe I will get it back “soon”.
Garriott’s reputation has been in decline for years, largely due toShroud of the Avatar. The game was full of broken promises and questionable business practices. Initially funded through Kickstarter in 2013, the game suffered from feature cuts, delayed rewards, and poor financial transparency.
By 2019, Garriott’s company, Portalarium, sold the game to its lead developer, effectively abandoning it and its investors. The game’s current development is minimal, and its player base is dwindling. It’s argued that this project marked the beginning of the end for Garriott’s standing in the gaming world.
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Adding to the controversy, Garriott’s attempt at blockchain gaming in 2022 was a disaster. His attempt to create an NFT-based MMO was met with backlash, with many accusing him of prioritizing profit over creativity. The project failed, leaving behind a trail of disappointed fans and damaged trust.
This has led many in the community to question whether Garriott still has the creative vision to contribute to the industry. Some fans argue that his success owed as much to collaboration as to his ingenuity, comparing him to figures like George Lucas, whose works flourished through teamwork.
Would He Even Fit In Today’s Gaming Industry?
Despite his declining reputation, Garriott’s early achievements are undeniable.Ultima 7is still celebrated as a masterpiece in RPG design, praised for its world-building, storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
The possibility of Garriottreturning toUltima Onlineis a divisive topic. Some fans hope he could breathe new life into the game, while others fear he would tarnish its legacy further. His track record over the past two decades has raised concerns about his ability to manage such a project effectively.
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Interestingly, the private server community forUltima Onlinehas outpaced the official game in many ways. This has led some to question whether Garriott’s involvement is even necessary. Many believe the game’s future would be better off without his involvement.
Garriott’s legacy highlights the challenges faced by once-revered creators who attempt to keep up with the industry. While his contributions to gaming history are undeniable, his recent missteps have left a bitter taste.
Whether he can ever recapture the magic of his early work remains to be seen, but for now, he is a reminder that even legends can fall from grace.
Daniel Royte
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :1368
As part of the FandomWire team, Daniel has followed the hero-shooter genre closely with a focus on titles like VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Marvel Rivals. you’re able to also find him providing insight on the latest AAA titles from Elden Ring to GTA 6 and exploring the world of gacha games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves. With more than 1,000 articles under his belt, you’ll need to look no further for a unique insight into every situation.If he’s not looking for the latest video game news, you’ll find him cheering on Ferrari in the race tracks of Formula 1 or at the theatres for the latest MCU releases.
