Rumors are swirling that Bethesda is poised to announce a remake of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion in the coming weeks, with a release potentially following shortly thereafter. Gaming insider NatetheHate, who accurately predicted the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement date, tweeted that the Oblivion remake reveal is expected sometime this month or next. This timeline is supported by VGC. While the release date remains slightly less certain, NatetheHate suggests a pre-June launch, with VGC hinting at a possible April release.
AnswerSee ResultsIn January, Mp1st reported on seemingly leaked details of the Oblivion remake, apparently originating from a former employee at Virtuos, a video game support studio. Microsoft declined to comment when contacted by IGN.
According to Mp1st, Virtuos utilized Unreal Engine 5 for the remake, suggesting a substantial overhaul rather than a simple remaster. Alleged gameplay changes include adjustments to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reactions, and the HUD. The Blocking system, reportedly inspired by action and Soulslike games, was altered to address perceived issues of “boredom” and “frustration” in the original. Other changes reportedly include improved Sneak icon highlighting, revamped damage calculations, a more challenging Stamina depletion knockdown mechanic, a redesigned HUD for better clarity, added hit reactions for clearer feedback, and modernized Archery mechanics in both first and third-person perspectives.
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Early whispers of an Oblivion remaster surfaced in 2023 when documents from the FTC versus Microsoft trial (regarding the Activision Blizzard acquisition) revealed several unannounced Bethesda titles slated for release. This July 2020 list, compiled before Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media, included:
Financial Year 2022:
- Oblivion Remaster
- Indiana Jones game
Financial Year 2023:
- Doom Year Zero and DLC
- Project Kestrel
- Project Platinum
Financial Year 2024:
- The Elder Scrolls 6
- Project Kestrel: Expansion
- Licensed IP Game
- Fallout 3 Remaster
- Ghostwire: Tokyo Sequel
- Dishonored 3
- DOOM Year Zero DLC
It's clear that many of these projects faced delays or cancellation. Doom Year Zero is now Doom: The Dark Ages, launching in May. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle released in December 2024, and The Elder Scrolls VI is significantly behind schedule.
The focus now returns to the Oblivion remaster (or possibly, as the scale may have grown, a remake). Note that the Microsoft document referred to it as a remaster. The project's scope might have evolved into a more extensive remake. Bethesda’s official announcement will clarify this.
Regarding platforms, given Microsoft's current multiplatform strategy and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, the Oblivion remake could launch on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and potentially the Switch 2, potentially aligning with the Switch 2’s launch window around June.
