Origin Systems

Origin Systems was a major American game development studio founded in 1983. Among those behind its founding were the brothers Richard and Robert Garriott. The studio made its mark on the history of video games primarily through the Ultima and Wing Commander series, and had a significant influence on the development of RPGs, online games and space simulators.

The studio’s most significant franchise was the Ultima series, whose roots date back to before Origin Systems was even founded. Richard Garriott was one of the pioneers of computer RPGs and gradually created the vast fantasy world of Britannia. The individual instalments of the Ultima series developed the open-world concept, dialogue with NPCs, moral choices and other elements that were later adopted by many modern RPGs.

Among the most famous instalments are Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar, Ultima VII: The Black Gate and Ultima Underworld. The latter game was developed primarily by Blue Sky Productions – later known as Looking Glass Studios – whilst Origin Systems published it. Ultima Underworld became one of the pioneers of first-person RPGs set in a fully 3D environment.

Ultima Online, released in 1997, was also of exceptional significance. It was one of the games that played a key role in popularising the MMORPG genre. Thousands of players were able to explore a persistent online world together, fight, trade, craft items and form their own gaming communities.

Origin Systems’ second iconic franchise is Wing Commander, created by Chris Roberts. The series offered cinematic space battles, extensive story-driven campaigns and, for its time, exceptionally impressive visuals.

The first Wing Commander was followed by a number of sequels and spin-offs, such as Wing Commander II, Wing Commander III: Heart of the Tiger, Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom and Wing Commander: Prophecy. The third and fourth instalments became famous for their extensive live-action cutscenes and the participation of well-known actors, including Mark Hamill.

Origin Systems also created other well-known games and series, such as Crusader: No Remorse, Crusader: No Regret and the sci-fi title BioForge. The studio was not solely focused on RPGs and space simulators, but also experimented with action and adventure elements.

In 1992, Origin Systems was acquired by Electronic Arts. Under EA, the studio continued to develop further titles; however, projects were gradually cancelled and changes were made to the team’s structure. Origin Systems was finally closed down in 2004.

Thanks to the Ultima, Wing Commander and Crusader series and the pioneering Ultima Online, Origin Systems ranks amongst the most influential American game studios in history. Its games helped shape the form of modern RPGs, MMORPGs and story-driven space simulators.