ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
Moby ID: 11
Overview edit · view history
Origin Systems was founded by Richard Garriott in 1983, after disputes with publisher Sierra On-Line over the publishing of Ultima II. He then decided that he wanted to create his own company that would publish his games.
It became well known for their Ultima and Wing Commander/Privateer game franchises. It was acquired by Electronic Arts in 1992. In 1997, the company would release Ultima Online, one of the earliest and most popular massively multiplayer online role-playing (MMORPG) games of all time.
Garriott left Origin Systems after EA canceled one of his development projects in 2000. Subsequently, the company mainly worked on supporting and expanding Ultima Online. Eventually, EA closed the studio in February 2004.
The tenth numbered title in the Ultima franchise, the MMORPG Ultima X: Odyssey, was cancelled officially on 30 June 2004, four months after Origin Systems itself was closed. Ultima Online would continue first through in-house maintenance from EA, then transferred to Mythic in 2006, then Broadsword Online Games in 2014.
Credited on 81 Games from 1983 to 2013
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History +
- February 25, 2004
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The studio is closed by Electronic Arts.
- March 30, 2000
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Founder Richard Garriott leaves the company.
- 1992
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Company acquired by Electronic Arts, Inc.
- 1983
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Company founded.
Trivia +
Here is the official statement from Origin concerning Richard Garriott's departure:
"It was announced today that Richard Garriott is leaving Origin Systems to pursue other interests. As co-founder of the company more than 15 years ago, Richard has helped Origin to grow into one of the top entertainment software companies in the world. As creator of the Ultima series, his contributions to the company and to the gaming industry as a whole are immeasurable, and he remains a friend of Origin Systems. Richard has yet to announce his upcoming plans, however we at Origin wish him success in any future endeavors.
Origin will continue to support and expand the world of Ultima Online, as well as our online worlds in development such as Ultima Online 2."
Garriott's main reason for leaving was more likely the complete lack of support and interest on the part of EA towards the single player Ultima series.
Location and contact information in April 1996:
Origin Inc.
12940 Research Blvd.
Austin, TX 78750
Technical Support: 512-434-4357
Fax Support: 512-795-8014
BBS Support: 512-346-2227
Related Web Sites +
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ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
official site -
Wikipedia
The ORIGIN Systems company profile at Wikipedia
Frequent Collaborators
Companies- 50 games with Electronic Arts, Inc.
- 27 games with Electronic Arts Ltd.
- 19 games with GOG Limited
- 13 games with Electronic Arts GmbH
- 11 games with Mindscape International Ltd.
- 10 games with Pony Canyon, Inc.
- 8 games with Electronic Arts Victor, Inc.
- 8 games with Fujisankei Communications International, Inc.
- 7 games with Fujitsu Limited
- 5 games with MicroMagic, Inc.
- 41 games with Denis R. Loubet
- 31 games with David Ladyman
- 30 games with Richard Garriott
- 28 games with Dallas Snell
- 25 games with Jennifer Davis
- 23 games with Jeff J. Shelton
- 23 games with Scott Shelton
- 23 games with Glen Johnson
- 22 games with Kirk Winterrowd
- 22 games with John Watson
Browse Games
- All games by ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
- Published by ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
- Developed by ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
- Produced by ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
- Additional Development by ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
- Ported by ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
- Original Concept by ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
- Distributed by ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
- Testing by ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
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