EA Might Sell Dormant Franchises Like Ultima and Wing Commander, Former Manager Says

This report was updated for Laitiku readers with the latest context and analysis.

Ever wondered what happened to classic EA franchises like Ultima or Wing Commander? Well, they might be getting a new lease on life—or a one-way ticket to the auction block. According to a former EA manager, the Saudi acquisition could prompt the company to offload some of its dormant IPs.

In a recent interview, the ex-employee, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their thoughts on EA's plans post-Saudi investment. They believe EA will leverage its vast library of forgotten titles, either by selling them outright or partnering with external studios to breathe new life into them.

"There are plenty of IPs like that at EA that nobody cares about at this moment," they said. "I think probably they will leverage that either by just selling it or trying to find external studios that can work on that."

This isn't just about nostalgia—it's a smart business move. By selling or licensing these dormant franchises, EA can generate revenue without investing in risky new projects. And for indie developers or smaller studios, picking up a beloved but neglected IP could be a golden opportunity to create something special.

Ultima, for instance, is a legendary RPG series that helped define the genre, while Wing Commander was a pioneering space combat sim. Both have been dormant for years, but they still hold a special place in many gamers' hearts. Imagine a modern take on Ultima with today's technology—that's a tantalizing thought.

Of course, this is all speculative at this point. EA hasn't confirmed any plans to sell or license these IPs, and the former manager's comments are just one perspective. But it's clear that the gaming industry is watching closely to see what the Saudi investment will mean for EA's future.

For now, we can only hope that if EA does decide to part with these classics, they'll end up in good hands. Whether that means a fresh reboot or a faithful remaster, fans would likely welcome any sign of life for these beloved franchises.

What do you think? Would you like to see Ultima or Wing Commander make a comeback, or are some things better left in the past? Let us know in the comments!