The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remake, rumored to be in development with a planned release in 2025, has sparked excitement and curiosity after an alleged list of details surfaced online. According to a report by Mp1st, these details were inadvertently released by a former employee at Virtuos, a video game support studio. Microsoft has chosen not to comment on these reports when approached by IGN.
The leak suggests that Virtuos is using Unreal Engine 5 to completely remake Bethesda's iconic open-world RPG, hinting at a comprehensive overhaul rather than a simple remaster. The gameplay is said to feature significant updates, including modifications to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reaction, and the heads-up display (HUD).
Reportedly, the changes to Blocking were inspired by action games and Soulslikes, aiming to address the original's "boring" and "frustrating" mechanics. Sneak icons are now supposedly highlighted with a revamped damage calculation system. The knockdown effect from depleting Stamina is said to be harder to trigger, while the HUD has been redesigned for improved clarity. Hit reactions have been introduced to enhance the feedback, and Archery has been modernized for both first and third-person views.
The idea of an Oblivion remaster first came to light in 2023, following the release of documents during the FTC versus Microsoft trial regarding the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. These documents outlined several unannounced Bethesda projects scheduled for release in the coming years. A list compiled in July 2020, before Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media in March 2021, 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
Several of these projects have faced delays or cancellations. Doom Year Zero has evolved into Doom: The Dark Ages, set for release this year, while Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was delayed until December 2024. The Elder Scrolls 6 remains far from its initially projected timeline.
The current focus is on the Oblivion project, which was initially referred to as a remaster in the Microsoft document. It's possible that the project's scope has expanded into a full remake, a detail that should be clarified once Bethesda officially announces it.
Regarding the platforms for the Oblivion remake, Microsoft's commitment to multiplatform releases suggests that it may be available on more than just PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. With the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, there's speculation that Oblivion might be part of its launch lineup. Leaker NateTheHate has suggested that the Oblivion remake could launch in June, aligning with the rumored release window for the Switch 2.
Next week, Microsoft has scheduled an Xbox Developer Direct, where id Software, owned by ZeniMax, will provide more information on Doom: The Dark Ages. Additionally, Microsoft has hinted at revealing a new game from a mystery developer, though it appears unlikely to be the Oblivion remake. Windows Central's Jez Corden has hinted that this new game will be "a new entry in a legendary Japanese IP which has decades of history, and should make a lot of fans happy."
