2006-03-03: Today I lay down my sword... (Chris “Binky” Launius)

Thread: Today I lay down my sword...
Post Date: 03/03/06 02:42 PM (-6 GMT)

Fare Thee Well…

It seems like only yesterday that GoatBoy and I spent countless hours venturing through the lands of Britannia befriending newcomers to this strange land. I made a great many friends in that time, such as my old pal BookWorm. BookWorm was one of those characters that was a real, breathing person, not just some character in a game. I never knew the person behind BookWorm, but I knew my friend BookWorm.

Just nights after meeting BookWorm I encountered a group of people role-playing Orcs just outside of Yew. I was on a quest to return some items to the bank so after chatting with them for a bit they asked me to join them. I agreed, but needed to put away some things first, so we made plans to meet at one of the great Yew trees. Upon returning to the agreed upon tree I found one of my new Orc friends and tried to talk to him. He replied in the strangest manner…by attacking me! I was so outraged and betrayed by my “friend”. I tried to escape through the thick forest but he kept attacking. My heart was pounding, my palms were sweaty. I was so angry. I typed “STOP!! PLEASE STOP!” over and over. I tried to find out what I did wrong. My health was getting lower and lower and my stamina was rapidly dropping. Then, in the blink of an eye, the screen went grey and I heard the sound you fear the most…the death groan.

I was so upset. I threw my mouse across the old Origin Customer Support area and screamed at my screen…at my “friend”. It was 2:00 in the morning, so no one witnessed my outburst. I was determined to find out what I did wrong. But I couldn’t find the guy, so I logged into a tester client, found my Orc buddy and drilled him as to why he killed me, why he betrayed me. He wouldn’t answer. He just continued his aimless wandering. After a few minutes I realized this was not the friend I had made earlier in the evening….but an NPC monster. Man, was I humiliated. I was so embarrassed but at the same time, relieved, relieved that I wasn’t betrayed by a human being.

That was the moment I fell in love with Ultima Online. That was nearly 10 years ago. Today I love the game more than ever.

I have seen Ultima Online revolutionize the gaming world. I have been there with UO through so many changes. I have worked with so many talented industry legends and I have seen so many players come and go and then return that it has made UO such a cherished and valuable part of me. I have gained real-world friends, ended real-world relationships, and made memories that I will carry with me forever. Ultima Online is simply amazing.

But the day has come when I must put down my sword and retire my steed. I must step aside and let a new adventurer take the helm with the new day. As of today, March 3rd 2006, after spending one third of my life working on Ultima Online in some manner, I will be leaving the Ultima Online team and Electronic Arts.

I am leaving UO but I will never leave Britannia. I must venture forth and try some new things and seize the day. Ultima Online is in one of the best places I have seen it in the past 5 years. Darkscribe is the most passionate producer I have ever had the pleasure of working with, and as a former marketing director, he gets it. He understands the relationship that must exist between development, community, and marketing. He is also a great motivator who has the ability to make some amazing changes and give stuff like the new events a chance. The team is in better spirits and is more motivated than any team I can recall. You are in good hands and the next few publishes of bug fixes and system changes will poise UO to regain the throne as the greatest online world ever created.

I leave with a heavy heart but I know that UO is in good hands. I have more faith in Britannia’s future than I have had in a long time. I thank every one of you for all the great memories and support you have given me over the years.

…I’ll see you in Britannia.

Chris “Binky” Launius

“I created worlds!”