Portalarium

Portalarium was an American video game developer and publisher based in Austin, Texas. Founded in September 2009 by Richard Garriott, Dallas Snell and Fred Schmidt, the studio developed social games, mobile titles and online virtual worlds before concentrating on computer role-playing games. Its founders had previously worked together at Origin Systems and Destination Games, bringing a shared background in interactive entertainment to the company.

The studio initially pursued social network and casual gaming with releases including Port Casino, Port Casino Poker and Ultimate Collector: Garage Sale. The latter was developed in partnership with Zynga. As the social and casual gaming market changed during 2012–2013, Portalarium shifted its focus toward Garriott’s role-playing game roots.

A return to online role-playing

Its principal project became Shroud of the Avatar: Forsaken Virtues, presented as a spiritual successor to the Ultima series and Ultima Online. The game combined the studio’s interest in role-playing games, persistent virtual worlds and online communities. Portalarium supported development through community crowdfunding, followed by additional web and equity fundraising.

The project entered Steam Early Access in 2014 and reached commercial release in March 2018 for PC, Mac and Linux. Alongside development and publishing, Portalarium handled community management and live operations for its online game. The commercial launch received a mixed reception, and difficulties attracting players were followed by substantial staff reductions during 2018.

Final years

In October 2019, Portalarium transferred the rights, trademarks and operating assets associated with Shroud of the Avatar to Catnip Games, an independent company established by former Portalarium executive Chris Spears. Portalarium then ceased active development and became dormant. Its right to transact business was subsequently forfeited by the Texas Comptroller.

The game continued under its new operator, while Portalarium itself became defunct. The asset sale therefore marks the end of the studio’s active operations rather than a continuing company rebrand.