Richard Garriott

Richard Garriott, born on July 4, 1961, is a British-born American who has made significant contributions as a video game developer, entrepreneur, and private astronaut. He is the son of Owen Garriott, a NASA astronaut, which perhaps inspired his own journey into space and technology. Initially recognized for his work in game design and programming, Garriott has evolved into a multifaceted figure in the realm of computer game development.

Garriott's most notable achievement in the gaming industry is the creation of the Ultima series, a groundbreaking collection of role-playing games that began with Akalabeth: World of Doom in 1979 and concluded with Ultima IX: Ascension in 1999. He played a pivotal role in all eleven main installments, often embodying the character of Lord British, which became a hallmark of the series. The Ultima games are celebrated for their influence in establishing the computer role-playing game genre.

In addition to his gaming legacy, Garriott ventured into space on October 12, 2008, as part of the Soyuz TMA-13 mission to the International Space Station. His twelve-day journey made him the second space traveler, and the first from the United States, to have a parent who also traveled to space. During his time aboard the ISS, he filmed a science fiction movie titled Apogee of Fear, further blending his passions for gaming and exploration.

In 2009, Garriott founded Portalarium, a video game development company, where he served as CEO and creative director of Shroud of the Avatar: Forsaken Virtues until 2018. He later transferred all assets related to Shroud of the Avatar to Catnip Games in 2019, marking a new chapter in his career.