time for some obscure #UltimaOnline #gamepreservation history
back in 1997, there was no such thing as a subscription system for MMOs that didn't require a credit card. the UO team came up with the "Game Time Card" system, which allowed people to buy 30 & 90 day subscriptions from brick & mortar game stores. every MMO afterward, like EQ, WoW and SWG would replicate that system.
since the cards were single-use disposables, 99.99% of gamers tossed these cards out when they were done with them. they were impossible to find after a few years. it took me 15 years to find a couple of these cards, mercifully saved by a gamer in Germany, which just arrived today
a 90-day card was included in the Charter Edition of the game (only available by special order prior to launch), pictured below. it is now back in its rightful place in the box