“Publish 94 is out the door,” wrote Ultima Online Producer Bonnie “Mesanna” Armstrong in a newsletter earlier this week. Broadsword has added fresh anniversary gifts — primarily recipes and decorations — to the game in celebration of its 19th birthday in September. The trick or treating event will begin in October, while the Treasures of the Kotl City event is live now. Also expect updates to tinkering, mortal strike, champ spawns, and necromancy skills.
In a brief Q&A, Mesanna explained said the team has no plans to add recall mechanics to the Ilshenar landmass or a house search to help packrats find all their stuff, but the team is working on UI tweaks for the classic client and a bulk-order deed overhaul. Publish 95, expected by Thanksgiving, should include the new tier of vet rewards.
Broadsword has said repeatedly, most recently in April, that it has no plans to go free-to-play. The Steam launch, however, is something that the team still wants – as soon as EA gives its “final approval,” which at this point looks unlikely.
