Origin Systems
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | March 3, 1983 in Houston, Texas, United States |
| Founder | Richard Garriott, Robert Garriott, Owen K. Garriott, Chuck Bueche |
| Defunct | February 2004 |
| Fate | Acquired by Electronic Arts in 1992; closed in 2004 |
| Headquarters | Austin, Texas , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Richard Garriott (Co-founder), Robert Garriott (Co-founder) |
| Products | Ultima series, Wing Commander series, Ultima Online, Longbow series |
| Owner | Electronic Arts (from 1992) |
Number of employees | Over 300 (by 1996) (1996) |
| Parent | Electronic Arts (1992–2004) |
Origin Systems, Inc. was a prominent American video game developer based in Austin, Texas. Established on March 3, 1983, by siblings Richard Garriott and Robert Garriott, the company became well-known for groundbreaking franchises such as the Ultima and Wing Commander series. In 1992, Origin was acquired by Electronic Arts.
History
Founded in 1983 by Richard and Robert Garriott along with their father Owen K. Garriott and programmer Chuck Bueche, Origin Systems began its operations from the Garriott family’s garage in Houston. Their initial significant release was Ultima III: Exodus. By concentrating on computer-based games rather than console titles, Origin successfully navigated the 1983 video game industry downturn. By 1988, the company had expanded to approximately 50 employees working from locations in Austin and New Hampshire. By 1992, Origin had achieved global sales exceeding 1.5 million software units.
In September 1992, Electronic Arts purchased Origin for $35 million in stock. At that time, Origin reported annual revenues near $13 million and had been contemplating an IPO before finalizing the acquisition.
By 1996, Origin had grown to a workforce of over 300 people organized into small, independent development groups. The studio released Ultima Online in 1997, one of the pioneering graphical MMORPGs. After launching Ultima IX: Ascension in 1999, EA shifted Origin’s focus exclusively to online gaming. However, due to the unfavorable reception of Ultima IX, EA terminated all ongoing projects at Origin including Ultima Online 2, Privateer Online, and Harry Potter Online. Founder Richard Garriott left the company in 2000 to create Destination Games.
During its final phase, Origin concentrated on maintaining Ultima Online and developing online entries within the Ultima franchise such as the ultimately canceled Ultima X: Odyssey. Electronic Arts officially closed the studio in February 2004. Additionally, under EA’s Jane's Combat Simulations label, Origin developed the Longbow series until projects like Jane's A-10 were discontinued in the late 1990s.
Notable employees
Origin Systems was home to numerous influential developers who later assumed key industry leadership roles, particularly within Austin’s gaming community. Prominent figures included:
- Raymond Benson – Writer, Audio (1992–1993)
Served as lead writer for Ultima VII: The Black Gate, subsequently worked for MicroProse and Viacom New Media, and became an official author of the James Bond novels.
- J. Allen Brack – Quality Assurance tester (1994–2000)
Progressed to executive roles at Blizzard Entertainment and co-founded Magic Soup Games.
- Tom Chilton – Lead Designer (2001–2003)
Directed design efforts for Ultima Online: Age of Shadows, later becoming a lead designer at Blizzard Entertainment.
- Ken Demarest – Game Designer, Programmer (1990–1995)
Developed the technical prototype for Ultima Online, directed BioForge, and contributed to the Wing Commander series.
- Richard Garriott – Co-Founder, Game Designer, Programmer (1983–2000)
Origin Systems’ co-founder and creator of the Ultima series; later founded Destination Games and Portalarium.
- Robert Garriott – Co-Founder, Business (1983–2000)
Partnered with Richard Garriott in founding Origin and played a crucial role in business management.
- Raph Koster – Lead Designer (1995–2003)
Went on to develop major MMORPGs like EverQuest II and Star Wars Galaxies at Sony Online Entertainment.
- Starr Long – QA Lead, Designer (1992–2000)
Oversaw development of Ultima Online and co-founded Destination Games.
- Denis Loubet – Artist (1989–2002)
Origin’s inaugural artist responsible for cover illustrations, in-game visuals, and cinematic sequences.
- Mike McShaffry – Lead Developer (1990–1997)
Co-founded studios in Austin and contributed significantly to game development methodologies.
- Sheri Graner Ray – Writer, Designer (1993–1994)
Collaborated with Sony Online Entertainment and Cartoon Network; founder of Women in Games International.
- Chris Roberts – Game Designer, Creative Director (1988–1996)
Creator of the Wing Commander franchise; co-founded Digital Anvil—later acquired by Microsoft—and Cloud Imperium Games producing crowdfunded title Star Citizen.
- John Romero – Programmer (1987–1988)
Among Origin’s early staff; went on to co-found id Software, Ion Storm, and Romero Games.
- Dallas Snell – Vice President of Product Development / Executive Producer (1985–1996)
Led product development initiatives at Origin; later held senior positions at NCSoft North America and Portalarium.
- Warren Spector – Producer (1989–1996)
Produced influential titles such as Ultima Underworld and System Shock, subsequently headed Ion Storm Austin and Junction Point Studios; currently Studio Director at OtherSide Entertainment.
- Paul Steed – Artist (1991–1995)
Principal artist for the Wing Commander series; later served as art lead for id Software’s Quake franchise.
List of games
... [list continues similarly with notable titles and platforms, focusing on key releases] ... }Canceled Projects
- BioPlus (expansion for BioForge)
- Carl's Crazy Carnival
- Citadel (first-person shooter)
- Death & Destruction
- Space Race (racing title comparable to Road Rash and Super Monaco GP)
- Crusader: No Survivors (multiplayer add-on for Crusader: No Regret, cancelled)
- Crusader 3: No Escape / Crusader: No Mercy / Crusader II
- Worlds of Ultima: Arthurian Legends
- Ultima Worlds Online: Origin
- Harry Potter Online
- Jane's A-10
- Privateer 3
- Strike Team
- Wing Commander VII
- Ultima X: Odyssey (2004)