BioWare has announced Ultima Forever: Quest for the Avatar, a cross-platform free-to-play online game set to be released under EA’s Play 4 Free label.

According to the press release, the game is set for release later this year for PC and iPad, “with fully integrated, cross-platform play so gamers can experience all of the rich and deep RPG elements with friends, wherever and whenever they choose to play.”

Former Mythic studio, now part of BioWare, is handling the game’s development. In the press release, Eugene Evans, Studio GM at BioWare Mythic, said, “As huge fans of the Ultima franchise, the team at BioWare Mythic is not only excited to be able to bring this reimagining of the original rich world to the fans of the classic RPGs, but also to introduce a new generation of gamers who have never had a chance to discover why this is one of our industry’s most beloved worlds.”

People can visit the official website to sign up for the upcoming beta and learn a little more about the game. The site confirms that players will be able to take on the role of either a Fighter or Mage.

Fighter: Fighters are one-man armies, trained to engage multiple opponents with a wide variety of attacks. Protect your allies and rain down a barrage of deadly attacks on enemies.

Mage: With a staff in hand and a spell on their lips, Mages are ready to engage in battle from afar. Use your magical know how to vanquish enemies and assist your allies.

Those attending this week’s International Comic Con in San Diego will get a chance to see Ultima Forever in action, as well as EA Free’s other Play4Free games, with the company giving this segment a huge push. BioWare’s Dr. Ray Muzyka stated, “There’s a fundamental shift underway in how gamers play and pay for games, and Electronic Arts is a leader in providing new business models and new ways to consume content.”

The fact EA and BioWare chose to relaunch one of its most beloved franchises as a free to play title speaks volumes about where the company believes the market is heading.

What do you think about the return of Ultima? Will you play?