History Creator / OriginSystems

''Ultima IX: Ascension'', released on November 24, 1999, was the last game Origin had ever finished. The remaining founders resigned in April 2000 to form [[VideoGame/TabulaRasa Destination Games]] and, much later, [[VideoGame/ShroudOfTheAvatar Portalarium]]. Origin Systems finally disbanded in February 2004, joining Creator/{{Bullfrog|Productions}} and Creator/{{Westwood|Studios}} as the third in the long list of [[https://heavy.com/games/2017/10/studios-ea-has-killed-visceral-games/ developers EA had acquired and shut down]]. In a darkly ironic twist, the "Origin" trademark got a second life in 2011, when Electronic Arts appropriated it as the name of its new digital games distribution platform. For more information on the [[https://www.filfre.net/2013/05/origin-systems/ birth]], [[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_14/87-The-Conquest-of-Origin fall]], and [[https://techraptor.net/content/35th-anniversary-origin-systems-ultima legacy]] of Origin Systems, see the respective link.

''Ultima IX: Ascension'', released on November 24, 1999, was the last game Origin had ever finished. The remaining founders resigned in April 2000 to form [[VideoGame/TabulaRasa Destination Games]] and, much later, [[VideoGame/ShroudOfTheAvatar Portalarium]]. Origin Systems finally disbanded in February 2004, joining Creator/{{Bullfrog|Productions}} and Creator/{{Westwood|Studios}} as the third in the long list of [[https://heavy.com/games/2017/10/studios-ea-has-killed-visceral-games/ developers EA had acquired and shut down]]. In a darkly ironic twist, the "Origin" trademark got a second life in 2011, when Electronic Arts appropriated it as the name of its new digital games distribution platform. For more information on the [[https://www.filfre.net/2013/05/origin-systems/ birth]],[[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_14/87-The-Conquest-of-Origin fall]], and [[https://techraptor.net/content/35th-anniversary-origin-systems-ultima legacy]] of Origin Systems, see the respective link.

Over its two decades of existence, many soon-to-be-famous video game developers got their start at Origin Systems, thanks to its culture of visionary game design, pushing the limits of technology, and [[DoingItForTheArt never cutting corners in pursuit of artistic goals]]. Some of these names include [[VideoGame/WingCommander Chris]] [[VideoGame/StarCitizen Roberts]], Creator/JohnRomero, [[VideoGame/UltimaOnline Raph]] [[VideoGame/StarWarsGalaxies Koster]], [[VideoGame/UltimaUnderworld Paul]] [[VideoGame/UnderworldAscendant Neurath]], [[VideoGame/DeusEx Warren]] [[VideoGame/EpicMickey Spector]], as well as the entire company of Creator/LookingGlassStudios[[note]]whose early breakthrough hits, ''VideoGame/UltimaUnderworld'' and ''VideoGame/SystemShock'', had all been published by Origin[[/note]]. However, like many top CRPG developers of TheEighties, Origin was hit hard by the [[Analysis/WesternRPG mid-90s crisis of the genre]], and encountered severe financial troubles on the publishing side of its business, despite the massive successes of ''VideoGame/WingCommander'' and ''VideoGame/UltimaVII''. Things went downhill from there.

''Ultima IX: Ascension'', released on November 24, 1999, was the last game Origin had ever finished. The remaining founders resigned in April 2000 to form [[VideoGame/TabulaRasa Destination Games]] and, much later, [[VideoGame/ShroudOfTheAvatar Portalarium]]. Origin Systems finally disbanded in February 2004, joining Creator/{{Bullfrog|Productions}} and Creator/{{Westwood|Studios}} as the third in the long list of [[https://heavy.com/games/2017/10/studios-ea-has-killed-visceral-games/ developers EA had acquired and shut down]]. In a darkly ironic twist, the "Origin" trademark got a second life in 2011, when Electronic Arts appropriated it as the name of its new digital games distribution platform. For more information on the [[https://www.filfre.net/2013/05/origin-systems/ birth]] and [[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_14/87-The-Conquest-of-Origin fall]] of Origin Systems, see the respective link.

Over its two decades of existence, many soon-to-be-famous video game developers got their start at Origin Systems, thanks to its culture of visionary game design, pushing the limits of technology, and [[DoingItForTheArt never cutting corners in pursuit of artistic goals]]. Some of these names include [[VideoGame/WingCommander Chris]] [[VideoGame/StarCitizen Roberts]], Creator/JohnRomero, [[VideoGame/UltimaOnline Raph]] [[VideoGame/StarWarsGalaxies Koster]], [[VideoGame/UltimaUnderworld Paul Neurath]], [[VideoGame/DeusEx Warren Spector]], as well as the entire company of Creator/LookingGlassStudios[[note]]whose early breakthrough hits, ''VideoGame/UltimaUnderworld'' and ''VideoGame/SystemShock'', had all been published by Origin[[/note]]. However, like many top CRPG developers of TheEighties, Origin was hit hard by the [[Analysis/WesternRPG mid-90s crisis of the genre]], and encountered severe financial troubles on the publishing side of its business, despite the massive successes of ''VideoGame/WingCommander'' and ''VideoGame/UltimaVII''. Things went downhill from there.

[[caption-width-right:306:[[BadassCreed "We Create Worlds"]] [[note]]Origin Systems' logos throughout the decades (top to bottom: the 1980s, the 1990s, and the final years).[[/note]]]]

* ''VideoGame/UltimaI: The First Age of Darkness'' (1981), originally published by California Pacific Computer Company, the bought-out and re-released by Sierra, then again by Origin when the trademark rights reverted to Garriott again.

''Ultima IX: Ascension'', released on November 24, 1999, was the last game Origin had ever finished. The remaining founders resigned in April 2000 to form [[VideoGame/TabulaRasa Destination Games]] and, much later, [[VideoGame/ShroudOfTheAvatar Portalarium]]. Origin Systems finally disbanded in February 2004, joining Creator/{{Bullfrog|Productions}} and Creator/{{Westwood|Studios}} as the third in the long list of [[https://heavy.com/games/2017/10/studios-ea-has-killed-visceral-games/ developers EA had acquired and shut down]]. In a darkly ironic twist, the "Origin" trademark got a second life in 2011, when Electronic Arts appropriated it as the name of the digital distribution platform for its published games. For more information on the [[https://www.filfre.net/2013/05/origin-systems/ birth]] and [[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_14/87-The-Conquest-of-Origin fall]] of Origin Systems, see the respective link.

Over the two decades of its existence, many soon-to-be-famous video game developers got their start at Origin Systems, thanks to its culture of visionary game design, pushing the limits of technology, and [[DoingItForTheArt never cutting corners in pursuit of artistic goals]]. Some of these names include [[VideoGame/WingCommander Chris]] [[VideoGame/StarCitizen Roberts]], Creator/JohnRomero, [[VideoGame/UltimaOnline Raph]] [[VideoGame/StarWarsGalaxies Koster]], [[VideoGame/UltimaUnderworld Paul Neurath]], [[VideoGame/DeusEx Warren Spector]], as well as the entire company of Creator/LookingGlassStudios[[note]]whose early breakthrough hits, ''VideoGame/UltimaUnderworld'' and ''VideoGame/SystemShock'', had all been published by Origin[[/note]]. However, like many top CRPG developers of TheEighties, Origin was hit hard by the [[Analysis/WesternRPG mid-90s crisis of the genre]], and encountered severe financial troubles on the publishing side of its business, despite the massive successes of ''VideoGame/WingCommander'' and ''VideoGame/UltimaVII''. Things went downhill from there.

In September 1992, the floundering Origin was bought out by Creator/ElectronicArts, who quickly began curbing the developer's habit of DoingItForTheArt and prioritized commercial success instead. Infamously, ''VideoGame/UltimaVIII'' was put on such a tight schedule, it was shipped in an [[ObviousBeta unfinished and barely playable state]], and although EA originally saw no potential in ''VideoGame/UltimaOnline'', its surprise early success led them to [[ExecutiveMeddling divert Origin's resources]] away from ''VideoGame/UltimaIX'', resulting in the latter's ''extremely'' TroubledProduction and, ultimately, a [[FranchiseKiller sad end]] for one of gaming's greatest epics.

[[caption-width-right:306:[[BadassCreed "We Create Worlds"]] [[note]]Origin Systems' logos from different periods (top to bottom: the 1980s, the 1990s, and the final years).[[/note]]]]

Origin Systems was an American video game developer and publisher, best known for creating the legendary ''VideoGame/{{Ultima}}'' and ''VideoGame/WingCommander'' franchises. It was founded in March 1983 by the brothers Richard (a.k.a. "Lord British") and Robert Garriott, their father Owen[[note]]an astronaut who flew both the Skylab and the Space Shuttle[[/note]], and their buddy Chuck Bueche[[note]]who would be immortalized as Chuckles the Jester in ''Ultimas II'' through ''VII''[[/note]], right on the eve of UsefulNotes/TheGreatVideoGameCrashOf1983, but the company's first offering, Lord British's ''VideoGame/UltimaIII: Exodus''[[note]]''VideoGame/UltimaI'' was published by the short-lived California Pacific, and ''VideoGame/UltimaII'', by Creator/{{Sierra}}, with whom Garriott fell out soon thereafter[[/note]], placed the newcomers among the top creators of the WesternRPG genre, which they would soon change forever with ''VideoGame/UltimaIV'' and its successors.

Over the two decades of its existence, many soon-to-be-famous video game developers got their start at Origin Systems, thanks to its culture of visionary game design, pushing the limits of technology, and [[DoingItForTheArt never cutting corners in pursuit of artistic goals]]. Some of these names include [[VideoGame/WingCommander Chris]] [[VideoGame/StarCitizen Roberts]], Creator/JohnRomero, [[VideoGame/UltimaOnline Raph]] [[VideoGame/StarWarsGalaxies Koster]], [[VideoGame/UltimaUnderworld Paul Neurath]], [[VideoGame/DeusEx Warren Spector]], as well as the entire company of Creator/LookingGlassStudios[[note]]whose early breakthrough hits, ''VideoGame/UltimaUnderworld'' and ''VideoGame/SystemShock'', had all been published by Origin[[/note]]. However, like many top CRPG developers of TheEighties, Origin was hit hard by the [[Analysis/WesternRPG mid-90s crisis of the genre]], and encountered severe financial troubles on the publishing side of its business, despite the massive success of ''VideoGame/WingCommander'' and ''VideoGame/UltimaVII''. Things went downhill from there.

Origin Systems was an American video game developer and publisher, best known for creating the legendary ''VideoGame/{{Ultima}}'' and ''VideoGame/WingCommander'' franchises. It was founded in March 1983 by the brothers Richard (a.k.a. "Lord British") and Robert Garriott, their father Owen[[note]]an astronaut who flew both the Skylab and the Space Shuttle[[/note]], and their buddy Chuck Bueche[[note]]who would be immortalized as Chuckles the Jester in early ''Ultima'' titles[[/note]], right on the eve of UsefulNotes/TheGreatVideoGameCrashOf1983, but the company's first offering, Lord British's ''VideoGame/UltimaIII: Exodus''[[note]]''VideoGame/UltimaI'' was published by the short-lived California Pacific, and ''VideoGame/UltimaII'', by Creator/{{Sierra}}, with whom Garriott fell out soon thereafter[[/note]], placed the newcomers among the top creators of the WesternRPG genre, which they would soon change forever with ''VideoGame/UltimaIV'' and its successors.

!!!Before Creator/ElectronicArts buyout:

In September 1992, Origin was acquired by Creator/ElectronicArts, who quickly began curbing the developer's habit of DoingItForTheArt and instead prioritized commercial success. Infamously, ''VideoGame/UltimaVIII'' was put on such a tight schedule, that it shipped in an [[ObviousBeta unfinished and barely playable state]], and although EA originally saw no potential in ''VideoGame/UltimaOnline'', its surprise early success led them to [[ExecutiveMeddling divert Origin's resources]] away from ''VideoGame/UltimaIX'', leading to the latter's ''extremely'' TroubledProduction and, ultimately, a [[FranchiseKiller sad end]] for one of gaming's greatest epics.

Over the two decades of its existence, many later-famous video game developers got their start at Origin Systems, thanks to its culture of visionary game design, pushing the limits of technology, and [[DoingItForTheArt never cutting corners in pursuit of artistic goals]]. Some of these names include [[VideoGame/WingCommander Chris]] [[VideoGame/StarCitizen Roberts]], Creator/JohnRomero, [[VideoGame/UltimaOnline Raph]] [[VideoGame/StarWarsGalaxies Koster]], [[VideoGame/UltimaUnderworld Paul Neurath]], and [[VideoGame/DeusEx Warren Spector]], as well as the entire company of Creator/LookingGlassStudios[[note]]whose early breakthrough hits, ''VideoGame/UltimaUnderworld'' and ''VideoGame/SystemShock'', had all been published by Origin[[/note]]. However, like many top CRPG developers of TheEighties, Origin was hit hard by the [[Analysis/WesternRPG mid-90s crisis of the genre]], and encountered severe financial troubles on the publishing side of its business, despite the massive success of ''VideoGame/WingCommander'' and ''VideoGame/UltimaVII''. Things went downhill from there.

Origin Systems was an American video game developer and publisher, best known for creating the legendary ''VideoGame/{{Ultima}}'' and ''VideoGame/WingCommander'' franchises. It was founded in March 1983 by the brothers Richard (a.k.a. "Lord British") and Robert Garriott, their father Owen[[note]]an astronaut who flew both the Skylab and the Space Shuttle[[/note]], and their buddy Chuck Bueche[[note]]who would be immortalized as Chuckles the Jester in early ''Ultima'' titles[[/note]], right on the eve of UsefulNotes/TheGreatVideoGameCrashOf1983, but the company's first offering, Lord British's ''VideoGame/UltimaIII: Exodus''[[note]]''VideoGame/UltimaI'' was published by the short-lived California Pacific, and ''VideoGame/UltimaII'', by Creator/{{Sierra}}, with whom Garriott fell out soon thereafter[[/note]], propelled the newcomers straight to the top of the WesternRPG genre, which they would soon change forever with ''VideoGame/UltimaIV'' and its successors.

Origin Systems was an American video game developer and publisher, best known as the creators of the legendary ''VideoGame/{{Ultima}}'' and ''VideoGame/WingCommander'' franchises. It was founded in March 1983 by the brothers Richard (a.k.a. "Lord British") and Robert Garriott, their father Owen[[note]]an astronaut who flew both Skylab and the Space Shuttle[[/note]], and their buddy Chuck Bueche[[note]]who would be immortalized as Chuckles the Jester in early ''Ultima'' titles[[/note]], right on the eve of UsefulNotes/TheGreatVideoGameCrashOf1983, but the company's first offering, Lord British's ''VideoGame/UltimaIII: Exodus''[[note]]''VideoGame/UltimaI'' was published by the short-lived California Pacific, and ''VideoGame/UltimaII'', by Creator/{{Sierra}}, with whom Garriott fell out soon thereafter[[/note]], propelled the newcomers straight to the top of the WesternRPG genre, which they would soon change forever with ''VideoGame/UltimaIV'' and its successors.

Over the two decades of its existence, many later-famous video game developers got their start at Origin Systems, thanks to its culture of visionary game design, pushing the limits of technology, and [[DoingItForTheArt never cutting corners in pursuit of artistic goals]]. Some of these names include [[VideoGame/WingCommander Chris]] [[VideoGame/StarCitizen Roberts]], Creator/JohnRomero, [[VideoGame/UltimaOnline Raph]] [[VideoGame/StarWarsGalaxies Koster]], [[VideoGame/UltimaUnderworld Paul Neurath]], and [[VideoGame/DeusEx Warren Spector]], as well as the entire company of Creator/LookingGlassStudios[[note]]whose early breakthrough hits, ''VideoGame/UltimaUnderworld'' and ''VideoGame/SystemShock'', had all been published by Origin[[/note]]. However, like many top WRPG developers of TheEighties, Origin was hit hard by the [[Analysis/WesternRPG mid-90s crisis of the genre]], and hit severe financial troubles on the publishing side of its business, despite the massive success of ''VideoGame/UltimaVII'' and ''VideoGame/UltimaVIIPartII''. Things went downhill from there.

In September 1992, Origin was acquired by Creator/ElectronicArts, who quickly began curbing the developer's habit of DoingItForTheArt, prioritizing commercial success instead. Infamously, ''VideoGame/UltimaVIII'' released on such a tight schedule, it shipped in an [[ObviousBeta unfinished and barely playable state]], and although EA originally saw no potential in ''VideoGame/UltimaOnline'', its surprise early success led EA to [[ExecutiveMeddling divert Origin's resources]] from ''VideoGame/UltimaIX'', leading to the latter's ''extremely'' TroubledProduction and, ultimately, a [[FranchiseKiller sad end]] for one of gaming's greatest epics.

''Ultima IX: Ascension'', released on November 24, 1999, was the last game Origin ever shipped. The remaining founders resigned in April 2000 to form [[VideoGame/TabulaRasa Destination Games]] and, much later, [[VideoGame/ShroudOfTheAvatar Portalarium]]. Origin Systems finally disbanded in February 2004, joining Creator/{{Bullfrog|Productions}} and Creator/{{Westwood|Studios}} as the third in the long list of [[https://heavy.com/games/2017/10/studios-ea-has-killed-visceral-games/ developers EA had acquired and shut down]]. In a darkly ironic twist, the "Origin" trademark got a second life in 2011, when Electronic Arts appropriated it as the name of the digital distribution platform for its published games. For more information on the [[https://www.filfre.net/2013/05/origin-systems/ birth]] and [[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_14/87-The-Conquest-of-Origin fall]] of Origin Systems, see the respective link.

In September 1992, Origin was acquired by Creator/ElectronicArts, who quickly began curbing the developer's habit of DoingItForTheArt, prioritizing commercial success instead. Infamously, ''VideoGame/UltimaVIII'' released on such a tight schedule, it shipped in an [[ObviousBeta unfinished and barely playable state]], and although EA originally saw no potential in ''VideoGame/UltimaOnline'', its surprise early success led EA to [[ExecutiveMeddling divert Origin's resources]] from ''VideoGame/UltimaIX'', leading to the latter's ''extremely'' TroubledProduction and, ultimately, a sad end for one of gaming's greatest epics.

Origin Systems was an American video game developer and publisher, best known as the creators of the legendary ''VideoGame/{{Ultima}}'' and ''VideoGame/WingCommander'' franchises. It was founded in March 1983 by the brothers Richard (a.k.a. "Lord British") and Robert Garriott, their father Owen[[note]]an astronaut who flew both Skylab and the Space Shuttle[[/note]], and their buddy Chuck Bueche[[note]]who would be immortalized as Chuckles the Jester in early ''Ultima'' titles[[/note]], right on the eve of UsefulNotes/TheGreatVideoGameCrashOf1983, but the company's first original offering, Lord British's ''VideoGame/UltimaIII: Exodus''[[note]]''VideoGame/UltimaI'' was published by the short-lived California Pacific, and ''VideoGame/UltimaII'', by Creator/{{Sierra}}, with whom Garriott fell out soon thereafter[[/note]], propelled the newcomers straight to the top of the WesternRPG genre, which they would soon change forever with ''VideoGame/UltimaIV'' and its successors.

Over the two decades of its existence, many later-famous video game developers got their start at Origin Systems, thanks to its culture of visionary game design, pushing the limits of technology, and [[DoingItForTheArt never cutting corners in pursuit of artistic goals]]. Some of these names include [[VideoGame/WingCommander Chris]] [[VideoGame/StarCitizen Roberts]], Creator/JohnRomero, [[VideoGame/UltimaOnline Raph]] [[VideoGame/StarWarsGalaxies Koster]], and [[VideoGame/DeusEx Warren Spector]], as well as the entire company of Creator/LookingGlassStudios[[note]]whose early breakthrough hits, ''VideoGame/UltimaUnderworld'' and ''VideoGame/SystemShock'', had all been published by Origin[[/note]]. However, like many top WRPG developers of TheEighties, Origin was hit hard by the [[Analysis/WesternRPG mid-90s crisis of the genre]], and hit severe financial troubles on the publishing side of its business, despite the massive success of ''VideoGame/UltimaVII'' and ''VideoGame/UltimaVIIPartII''. Things went downhill from there.

''Ultima IX: Ascension'', released on November 24, 1999, was the last game Origin ever shipped. The remaining founders resigned in April 2000 to form [[VideoGame/TabulaRasa Destination Games]] and, much later, [[VideoGame/ShroudOfTheAvatar Portalarium]]. Origin Systems finally disbanded in February 2004, joining Creator/{{Bullfrog|Productions}} and Creator/{{Westwood|Studios}} as the third in the long list of [[https://heavy.com/games/2017/10/studios-ea-has-killed-visceral-games/ developers EA had acquired and shut down]]. In a darkly ironic twist, the "Origin" trademark got a second life in 2011, when Electronic Arts appropriated it as the name if the digital distribution platform for its published games. For more information on the [[https://www.filfre.net/2013/05/origin-systems/ birth]] and [[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_14/87-The-Conquest-of-Origin fall]] of Origin Systems, see the respective link.

''Ultima IX: Ascension'', released on November 24, 1999, was the last game Origin ever shipped. The remaining founders resigned in April 2000, and the company finally disbanded in February 2004, joining Creator/{{Bullfrog|Productions}} and Creator/{{Westwood|Studios}} as the third in the long list of [[https://heavy.com/games/2017/10/studios-ea-has-killed-visceral-games/ developers EA had acquired and shut down]]. In a darkly ironic twist, the "Origin" trademark got a second life in 2011, when Electronic Arts appropriated it as the name if the digital distribution platform for its published games. For more information on the [[https://www.filfre.net/2013/05/origin-systems/ birth]] and [[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_14/87-The-Conquest-of-Origin fall]] of Origin Systems, see the respective link.

Over the two decades of its existence, many later-famous video game developers got their start at Origin Systems, thanks to its culture of visionary game design, pushing the limits of technology, and [[DoingItForTheArt never cutting corners in pursuit of artistic goals]]. Some of these names include [[VideoGame/WingCommander Chris]] [[VideoGame/StarCitizen Roberts]], Creator/JohnRomero, [[VideoGame/UltimaOnline Raph]] [[VideoGame/StarWarsGalaxies Koster]], [[VideoGame/UltimaOnline Starr Long]], and [[VideoGame/DeusEx Warren Spector]]. However, like many top WRPG developers of TheEighties, Origin was hit hard by the [[Analysis/WesternRPG mid-90s crisis of the genre]], and hit severe financial troubles on the publishing side of its business, despite the massive success of ''VideoGame/UltimaVII'' and ''VideoGame/UltimaVIIPartII''. Things went downhill from there.

''Ultima IX: Ascension'', released on November 24, 1999, was the last game Origin ever shipped. The remaining founders resigned in April 2000, and the company finally disbanded in February 2004, joining Creator/{{Bullfrog|Productions}} and Creator/{{Westwood|Studios}} as the third in the long list of [[https://heavy.com/games/2017/10/studios-ea-has-killed-visceral-games/ developers EA has acquired and shut down]]. In a darkly ironic twist, the "Origin" trademark got a second life in 2011, when Electronic Arts appropriated it as the name if the digital distribution platform for its published games. For more information on the [[https://www.filfre.net/2013/05/origin-systems/ birth]] and [[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_14/87-The-Conquest-of-Origin fall]] of Origin Systems, see the respective link.

* ''VideoGame/Bioforge'' (1995)

* ...

* ''CyberMage: Darklight Awakening'' (1995)

!!!TheEighties

[[/index]]

!!!TheNineties
[[index]]

Over the two decades of its existence, many later-famous video game developers got their start at Origin Systems, thanks to its culture of visionary game design, pushing the limits of technology, and [[DoingItForTheArt never cutting corners in pursuit of artistic goals]]. Some of these names include [[VideoGame/StarCitizen Chris Roberts]], Creator/JohnRomero, [[VideoGame/UltimaOnline Raph]] [[VideoGame/StarWarsGalaxies Koster]], [[VideoGame/UltimaOnline Starr Long]], and [[VideoGame/DeusEx Warren Spector]]. However, like many top WRPG developers of TheEighties, Origin was hit hard by the [[Analysis/WesternRPG mid-90s crisis of the genre]], and hit severe financial troubles on the publishing side of its business, despite the massive success of ''VideoGame/UltimaVII'' and ''VideoGame/UltimaVIIPartII''. Things went downhill from there.

''Ultima IX: Ascension'', released on November 24, 1999, was the last game Origin ever shipped. The remaining founders resigned in April 2000, and the company finally disbanded in February 2004, joining Creator/{{Bullfrog|Productions}} and Creator/{{Westwood|Studios}} as the third in the long list of [[https://heavy.com/games/2017/10/studios-ea-has-killed-visceral-games/ developers EA has acquired and shut down]]. In a darkly ironic twist, the "Origin" trademark got a second life in 2011, when Electronic Arts appropriated that name for the digital distribution platform its published games. For more information on the [[https://www.filfre.net/2013/05/origin-systems/ birth]] and [[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_14/87-The-Conquest-of-Origin fall]] of Origin Systems, see the respective link.

In September 1992, Origin was acquired by Creator/ElectronicArts, who quickly began curbing the developer's habit of DoingItForTheArt in pursuit of financial success. Infamously, ''VideoGame/UltimaVIII'' released on such a tight schedule, it shipped in an [[ObviousBeta unfinished and barely playable state]], and although EA originally saw no potential in ''VideoGame/UltimaOnline'', its surprise early success led EA to [[ExecutiveMeddling divert Origin's resources]] from ''VideoGame/UltimaIX'', leading to the latter's ''extremely'' TroubledProduction and, ultimately, a sad end for one of gaming's greatest epics.

Origin Systems was an American video game developer and publisher, best known as the creators of the legendary ''VideoGame/{{Ultima}}'' and ''VideoGame/WingCommander'' franchises. It was founded in March 1983 by the brothers Richard (a.k.a. "Lord British") and Robert Garriott, their father Owen[[note]]an astronaut who flew both Skylab and the Space Shuttle[[/note]], and their buddy Chuck Bueche[[note]]who would be immortalized as Chuckles the Jester in early ''Ultima'' titles[[/note]], right on the eve of UsefulNotes/TheGreatVideoGameCrashOf1983, but the company's first original offering, Lord British's ''VideoGame/UltimaIII: Exodus''[[note]]''VideoGame/UltimaI'' was published by the short-lived California Pacific, and ''VideoGame/UltimaII'', by Creator/{{Sierra}}, with whom Garriott fell out soon thereafter[[/note]], was so strong, it carried the newcomers straight to the top of the WesternRPG genre, which they would soon change forever with ''VideoGame/UltimaIV'' and its successors.

Over the two years of its existence, many later-famous video game developers got their start at Origin Systems, thanks to its culture of visionary game design, pushing the limits of technology, and [[DoingItForTheArt never cutting corners in pursuit of artistic goals]]. Some of these names include [[VideoGame/StarCitizen Chris Roberts]], Creator/JohnRomero, [[VideoGame/UltimaOnline Raph]] [[VideoGame/StarWarsGalaxies Koster]], [[VideoGame/UltimaOnline Starr Long]], and [[VideoGame/DeusEx Warren Spector]]. However, like many top WRPG developers of TheEighties, Origin was hit hard by the [[Analysis/WesternRPG mid-90s crisis of the genre]], and hit severe financial troubles on the publishing side of its business, despite the massive success of ''VideoGame/UltimaVII'' and ''VideoGame/UltimaVIIPartII''. Things went downhill from there.

''Ultima IX: Ascension'', released on November 24, 1999, was the last game Origin ever released. The remaining founders resigned in April 2000, and the company finally disbanded in February 2004, joining Creator/{{Bullfrog|Productions}} and Creator/{{Westwood|Studios}} as the third in the long list of [[https://heavy.com/games/2017/10/studios-ea-has-killed-visceral-games/ developers EA has acquired and shut down]]. In a darkly ironic twist, the "Origin" trademark got a second life in 2011, when Electronic Arts appropriated that name for the digital distribution platform its published games. For more information on the [[https://www.filfre.net/2013/05/origin-systems/ birth]] and [[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_14/87-The-Conquest-of-Origin fall]] of Origin Systems, see the respective link.

[[caption-width-right:306:[[BadassCreed "We Create Worlds"]][[note]]The company's logos from different periods (top to bottom: 1980s, 1990s, final years).[[/note]]]]