Following an earlier newsletter message, Electronic Arts today officially announced Ultima Online: Kingdom Reborn, a massive upgrade to the long running MMORPG. The update replaces the game's graphics engine, and will feature updated artwork and a new user interface. Kingdom Reborn will also add new content and features to the game, though specifics will be announced at a later date. Three screenshots can be found here. Ultima Online: Kingdom Reborn will be released next year.

"It's been nine years since Ultima Online first proved that online games could be very popular," said EA Mythic General Manager, Mark Jacobs. "And now, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the UO team and the support of the players over the years, a new day is dawning for this groundbreaking game." The new graphics engine will maintain the game's original perspective while giving it a bold new look that takes advantage of 3D-accelerated special effects. The team is busy re-drawing more than 9,000 pieces of art with which the entire map of Ultima Online -- more than 14 million tiles -- will be re-built, giving the whole game a vibrant new look.