Oblivion Remake Details Leak Online

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, a beloved open-world RPG, is reportedly set for a remake that's slated for release in 2025. According to Mp1st, details about this unannounced project were leaked by a former employee at Virtuos, a video game support studio. Microsoft, when approached by IGN, chose not to comment on the matter.

Virtuos is said to be remaking the game using Unreal Engine 5, indicating a comprehensive overhaul rather than a simple remaster. The remake allegedly includes significant gameplay changes, such as modifications to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reactions, and the heads-up display (HUD). The changes to Blocking aim to align it more with action games and Soulslikes, addressing the original system's perceived monotony and frustration. Sneak icons are now highlighted, damage calculations have been revamped, and the effect of depleting Stamina is reportedly harder to trigger. The HUD has been redesigned for better clarity, while hit reactions have been added for more responsive gameplay. Additionally, Archery has been modernized for both first and third-person views.

Rumors of an Oblivion remaster first surfaced in 2023 during the Federal Trade Commission's trial against Microsoft over the Activision Blizzard acquisition. Documents from this trial listed several unannounced Bethesda games, including an "Oblivion Remaster" planned for the 2022 financial year. Other titles mentioned included an Indiana Jones game, Doom Year Zero with DLC, Project Kestrel, Project Platinum, The Elder Scrolls 6, a Fallout 3 Remaster, a Ghostwire: Tokyo sequel, Dishonored 3, and additional DLC for Doom Year Zero. However, many of these projects have been delayed or canceled, with Doom Year Zero rebranded as Doom: The Dark Ages and set to launch this year, and the Indiana Jones game, now titled Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, delayed until December 2024.

The term "remaster" in the Microsoft document suggests that the project's scope may have evolved into a full remake. The gaming community eagerly awaits official confirmation from Bethesda, as the Oblivion remake remains one of the industry's worst-kept secrets.

Regarding platform availability, Microsoft's recent focus on multiplatform releases hints that the Oblivion remake might be available on more than just PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. With the anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, there's speculation that Oblivion could be part of its launch lineup. Leaker NateTheHate has suggested a June release for the Oblivion remake, aligning with the rumored launch window of the Switch 2.

Next week, Microsoft's Xbox Developer Direct will feature more details on Doom: The Dark Ages from id Software, a ZeniMax-owned studio. While Microsoft has teased the reveal of a new game from a mystery developer, it's unlikely to be the Oblivion remake. Instead, Windows Central's Jez Corden hinted that it might be a new entry in a legendary Japanese IP with a long history, promising to delight many fans.