EA and Ultima Online Announce “Return to Britannia” Campaign in Honor of 12th Anniversary Celebration, as Ultima Online first launched on September 25, 1997. They celebrate the first dozen years of operation by the fantasy-themed MMORPG by offering former players the chance to play the game in its current form for free between now and October 16. For everyone else, there's also a 14-Day Free Trial for the game. Here's word on Return to Britannia:

Closed accounts in good standing have been re-activated, and former players can log back into the game using their original user name and passwords.

New content available to returning players through the Return to Britannia Campaign includes Mondain’s Legacy, the 7th UO expansion which introduced the playable Elven race and dangerous, new dungeons to explore. Mondain’s Legacy was made available at no charge in August 2009 to existing subscribers and to new players as part of the Ultima Online 14-day free trial.

“We’re hoping that, as part of the Return to Britannia Campaign, former players will once again rediscover the joys of Ultima Online,” said Jeff Hickman, Executive Producer for Mythic Entertainment. “UO was the first love of many MMORPG players, and it still holds a special place in their hearts after 12 glorious years. I think returning players will be pleasantly surprised to find a thriving and vibrant community from around the world ready to welcome back their former compatriots and include them in their ongoing adventures.”