The Ultima Forever Website now offers free downloads of the PC edition of Ultima IV, celebrating 30 years of games in this classic RPG series originated by Lord British. This follows speculation that something like this might be happening when a couple of Flash-based Ultima IV remakes recently received DMCA takedown notices. Here's word on the festivities, which also include the release of updated versions of Ultima Underworld 1+2 on GOG.com:

EA and BioWare Mythic are celebrating 30 years of the Ultima Franchise by offering a free PC download of the classic Ultima IV, one of the most heralded RPGs in gaming history. The download is available at the newly launched Ultima heritage site www.UltimaForever.com.

Stretching across dozens of games, multiple platforms and three decades, millions of people from all over the world have set out on great adventures in the world of Ultima. Beginning with the classic Ultima I: The First Age of Darkness, they have braved perilous dungeons, faced off against fearsome enemies, conquered lands and saved the world. The original Ultima series includes some of the most beloved fantasy games of all time and helped set the stage for the pioneering Ultima Online, which launched more than a decade ago and was recognized with the inaugural GDC Online Hall of Fame award in 2010.

Continuing the celebration, the classic PC editions of Ultima, Ultima Underworld and Ultima Underworld II have been re-mastered for current PC operating systems and are available today on GOG.com. Stay tuned for more information about additional re-mastered Ultima titles in the future.