Through the Moongate: The story of Richard Garriott, Origin Systems Inc. and Ultima – Part I: From Akalabeth to Ultima VI

Richard Garriott is one of the most well-known personalities in the video game industry and one of the last pioneers still working. Ultima, his revolutionary series of computer role-playing games, and Origin Systems Inc, the company he co-founded in 1983, are inextricably linked to the evolution of the video game industry. This is their story.

 

Through the Moongate is my most ambitious project yet. Based on dozens of original interviews, it details the birth of Ultima, one of the longest-running computer role-playing game series; the founding and closing of Origin Systems Inc, one of the most influential North American companies; and the career of Richard Garriott, a name that needs no introduction.

 

The two-volume non-fiction book was crowdfunded and is now available for sale.

Part I: From Akalabeth to Ultima VI

First steps

 

  • D & D at the shadow of the Space Center
  • Whiz kids
  • Akalabeth: World of Doom

 

The Age of Darkness

 

  • Creative Anachronism
  • The difficult chronology of the dawn of computer role-playing games
  • Ultima
  • Difficult Choices
  • Sierra On-Line
  • Ultima II: The Revenge of the Enchantress
  • From Escape from Mt. Drash to Origin Systems Inc.
  • Ultima III: Exodus

 

The Age of Enlightenment

  • Changes
  • Origin Systems Inc. thrives
  • Ultima IV
  • Returning Home
  • Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny
  • False step
  • Change of Guards
  • Ultima in the East and the birth of JRPGs
  • Ultima VI: The False Prophet
  • Ultima Worlds