Garriott alleged that the publisher fired him--while he was in quarantine after returning from space, no less--but presented it as him voluntarily quitting. This caused his stock options to expire sooner, forcing him to sell into what his lawsuit described as "one of the worst equity markets in modern history." The issue was somewhat confused by Garriott writing that he was "leaving NCsoft to pursue" new interests in an open letter which certainly made it look voluntary.

Though Garriott had sought $47 million from NCSoft, the federal court jury awarded him only the $28 million in profit he estimated was lost by selling his stock options so soon.

"I am extremely pleased with the jury's decision," Lord British proclaimed in a statement no doubt written upon finest vellum and read aloud by a town crier. "The facts were clear that my departure from NCsoft was not voluntary. I am very pleased with the final award."

NCSoft's lawyer, meanwhile, said plainly and without any flair at all that the publisher "will be considering all options for next steps in the legal process."