The Second Age was developed by Origin Systems and published by Electronic Arts in 1998. It was the last Ultima Online expansion designed by Raph Koster. Critical reaction to the game was mixed. The Second Age was given the "Online Role-Playing Game of the Year" award at the 1999 Interactive Achievement Awards. Many reviews criticized The Second Age for not expanding the game enough, especially since gamers were anticipating the 3D MMORPGs EverQuest and Asheron's Call.