Excitement is brewing in the gaming community as Bethesda is reportedly on the verge of announcing a remake of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion. According to reliable sources, including NatetheHate and VGC, the official reveal could happen as soon as this month or next. Fans might not have to wait long for the release either, with potential launch dates speculated to be anywhere from April to before June.
In January, Mp1st shed light on what seems to be an accidental leak of the remake's details by a former employee at Virtuos, a video game support studio. Microsoft chose not to comment when approached by IGN. According to Mp1st, the remake is being built on Unreal Engine 5, indicating a comprehensive overhaul rather than a simple remaster. Gameplay mechanics such as Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reaction, and the HUD are reportedly being modernized. For instance, the Blocking system is being updated to draw inspiration from action games and Soulslikes, aiming to make it less "boring" and "frustrating." Sneak icons will now be highlighted, and the damage calculation system revamped. The Stamina depletion knockdown effect is harder to trigger, and the HUD has been redesigned for clarity. Hit reactions have been added for more responsive gameplay, and Archery has been updated for both first and third-person perspectives.
Every IGN Elder Scrolls Review
27 Images
Rumors of an Oblivion remaster first surfaced in 2023 during the FTC versus Microsoft trial over the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Documents revealed a list of unannounced Bethesda projects, including an Oblivion Remaster slated for the 2022 financial year. However, several projects mentioned have either been delayed or canceled. For example, Doom Year Zero evolved into Doom: The Dark Ages with a May release date, while Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was delayed until December 2024. The Elder Scrolls 6 also missed its initial projected timeline.
The term "remaster" used in the Microsoft document contrasts with the current reports of a full remake, suggesting a potential shift in the project's scope. As we await Bethesda's official announcement, it remains one of the gaming industry's most poorly kept secrets.
Regarding platforms, Microsoft's recent push towards multiplatform releases and the anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 around June could mean that the Oblivion remake will be available on more than just PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. It's possible that the game could be part of the Switch 2's launch lineup, expanding its reach to a broader audience.
