Tragic End to Richard Garriott’s Legacy, Man Who Created Ultima 7 One of the Best RPG Games of All Time?

Life has taken a downward series of turns for Richard Garriott, the legendary game developer behind Ultima 7. His groundbreaking design philosophy and intricate world-building inspired generations of developers, including Bethesda’s Todd Howard, who counts Ultima 7 as his favorite game. But his legacy has been overshadowed by recent events.

The mishandling of the Kickstarter-funded Shroud of the Avatar and a failed blockchain MMO project have tarnished his reputation. Earlier this year Garriott suggested on social media that he might reacquire Ultima Online back 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 reclaiming Ultima Online (UO), the revolutionary MMORPG that debuted in 1997. Its elements influenced countless modern games, and developers like Todd Howard continue 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”.

— Richard Garriott (@RichardGarriott) August 11, 2024

Garriott’s reputation has been in decline for years, largely due to Shroud 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.

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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.

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.

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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 7 is still celebrated as a masterpiece in RPG design, praised for its world-building, storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics.

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The possibility of Garriott returning to Ultima Online is 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.

Interestingly, the private server community for Ultima Online has 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 try 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.