Richard Garriott, often referred to as “Lord British” in the gaming world, began his career in the early 1980s while still a teenager. He started by creating simple games on his Apple II computer, selling them through local computer stores and by mail order. His first notable game, “Akalabeth: World of Doom,” was published in 1980, marking the beginning of his journey in the gaming industry.

Garriott’s big break came in 1981 when he founded Origin Systems, a video game development company. Here, he created the Ultima series, a set of role-playing games that would eventually make him a household name in the gaming community. The first game in the series, “Ultima I: The First Age of Darkness,” was released in 1986, and it was an instant hit, catapulting Garriott to fame.

Richard Garriott’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Richard Garriott’s current net worth is estimated to be around $250 million, according to Forbes. This significant wealth is primarily attributed to his successful career in the gaming industry.

Career

Richard Garriott, often referred to as “Lord British,” is a renowned game designer and entrepreneur. He co-founded Origin Systems in 1983, which developed and published the Ultima series, a pioneering role-playing game franchise. After selling Origin to Electronic Arts in 1992, Garriott served as the vice president of the company until 1998. In 2000, he founded Destination Games, which was later acquired by NCsoft in 2003. Garriott then served as the vice president of NCsoft’s U.S. operations until 2008. In 2009, he founded Portalarium, a game development studio, where he currently serves as the CEO.

Other Ventures

In addition to his gaming ventures, Garriott is also an avid entrepreneur and investor. He has invested in various tech startups, including Oculus VR, which was later acquired by Facebook. Garriott is also a passionate space explorer. In 2008, he became the sixth private citizen to fly to the International Space Station, spending 12 days aboard the station.

Assets

Garriott’s assets include a diverse portfolio of investments, real estate, and intellectual property. He owns several properties across the United States, including a 35-acre estate in Austin, Texas. Garriott also owns a significant amount of stock in various tech companies, as well as the intellectual property rights to the Ultima series and other gaming franchises he has developed over the years.

Annual Income

Richard Garriott’s annual income is primarily derived from his role as the CEO of Portalarium. However, his exact salary is not publicly disclosed. Additionally, he earns income from his investments and royalties from the gaming franchises he has developed. According to a 2014 interview, Garriott estimated that he earns around $1 million per year from his gaming royalties alone.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Richard Garriott

Richard Garriott Net Worth FAQs

1. What is Richard Garriott’s net worth?

Richard Garriott’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million.

2. How did Richard Garriott make his money?

Richard Garriott made his fortune primarily through his work in the video game industry. He is the founder of Origin Systems, which created popular game franchises like Ultima and Wing Commander. He also co-founded Destination Games and NCsoft’s Austin studio.

3. What is Richard Garriott’s most successful game?

Richard Garriott’s most successful game is Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar, released in 1985. It was a groundbreaking role-playing game that introduced many innovations to the genre and sold millions of copies.

4. Did Richard Garriott go to space?

Yes, Richard Garriott went to space in 2008 as a space tourist on a Soyuz spacecraft. He spent 12 days on the International Space Station as part of Expedition 18.

5. How much did Richard Garriott pay to go to space?

The cost of Richard Garriott’s trip to space was not officially disclosed, but it was estimated to be around $30 million.

6. What is Richard Garriott’s current role in the gaming industry?

Richard Garriott is currently the CEO of Portalarium, a game development company he founded in 2010. The company is known for creating the online game Shroud of the Avatar.

7. Has Richard Garriott won any awards?

Yes, Richard Garriott has won several awards for his contributions to the video game industry. He has been inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame and has received multiple Game Developers Choice Awards.

8. What is Richard Garriott’s educational background?

Richard Garriott graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in computer science.

9. Is Richard Garriott married?

Yes, Richard Garriott is married. He has been married to his wife, Dorothy Garriott, since 1991.

10. Does Richard Garriott have any children?

Yes, Richard Garriott has two children, a son named Sam and a daughter named Sarah.