Ultima Online was not the first MMO to go online, but it does hold the distinction of being the MMO that has been operating for the longest continuous span of time. The game launched on September 24, 1997; it has been in operation ever since, and so marks its 25th anniversary today.

Broadsword Online Games didn’t have a lot planned for the day, but there was an Anniversary Faire held earlier today that featured a variety of games and other activities for players to take part in…including a costume contest and a storytelling competition. No doubt the developers were online and in-game as well.

The First Age of Update: Raph Koster has published a link-filled retrospective to mark UO’s 25th anniversary, which also includes a few photos from the early years of the game and its development.