The developer and the publisher of the game is Origin Systems. The year of the release is 1985. Ultima IV is a rarity among role-playing games because of the fact that this game story does not focus on the mission of the main character to defeat a tangible ultimate evil.

After the triad of the evil was defeated, the world of Sosaria went through some drastic changes in the geography: three quarters of the world had disappeared, continents had rose and sunk. To replace the lost cities, the new ones were built. The world, unified under the rule of Lord British's, got the new name Britannia. The wise and concerned Lord British could depict the unhappy state of his people. As he got worried about their spiritual well being, he proclaimed the Quest of the Avatar. He just needed someone to step forth and become the shining example for others to follow.

The main goal of the game is to concentrate on the main character's, so to say, evolution in virtuous life. He must grow to be a spiritual leader and example to the people of the world of Britannia.