Robert Garriott is an American entrepreneur and businessman known for his contributions to the video game industry. He co-founded the company Origin Systems, which developed popular games like Ultima and Wing Commander. His work has significantly influenced the role-playing game genre. In addition to his gaming achievements, Garriott is also recognized for his interest in space exploration. He became the sixth private citizen to travel to space in 2008, participating in a mission aboard a Soyuz spacecraft. His journey highlighted the growing opportunities for private individuals in space travel.