Richard Garriott is an American video game designer and entrepreneur, best known for creating the popular Ultima series. Born on July 4, 1961, he has significantly influenced the gaming industry, particularly in the role-playing game (RPG) genre. Garriott's work has earned him recognition as a pioneer in interactive storytelling and game design. In addition to his contributions to gaming, Garriott is an avid adventurer and has traveled to space as a private astronaut. He flew to the International Space Station in 2008, making him one of the few people to have traveled to both the depths of the ocean and outer space. His diverse interests and achievements have made him a notable figure in both technology and exploration.