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 soon after. 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 was corroborated by VGC. While the release date remains 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 rebuilt Bethesda's acclaimed RPG using Unreal Engine 5, suggesting a substantial remake rather than a simple remaster. Alleged gameplay changes include modifications to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reactions, and the HUD. Reportedly, Blocking was redesigned with action and Soulslike games in mind, addressing criticisms of the original system. Sneak icons are now highlighted, damage calculations revised, and the Stamina depletion knockdown is harder to trigger. The HUD received a redesign for improved clarity, hit reactions were added for better feedback, and Archery was modernized for both first and third-person perspectives.
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News of an Oblivion remaster surfaced in 2023 when documents from the FTC vs. Microsoft trial revealed several unannounced Bethesda games slated for release. This list, compiled in July 2020, included:
Fiscal Year 2022: Oblivion Remaster, Indiana Jones game
Fiscal Year 2023: Doom Year Zero and DLC, Project Kestrel, Project Platinum
Fiscal Year 2024: The Elder Scrolls VI, Project Kestrel: Expansion, Licensed IP Game, Fallout 3 Remaster, Ghostwire: Tokyo Sequel, Dishonored 3, DOOM Year Zero DLC
Many of these titles faced delays or cancellations. Doom Year Zero became Doom: The Dark Ages, launching in May. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle released in December 2024, and The Elder Scrolls VI significantly missed its projected release window.
The focus now returns to the Oblivion remaster (or perhaps remake, given the scope of the reported changes). It's worth noting the Microsoft document referred to it as a remaster. The project's evolution may have led to a more extensive remake. The upcoming announcement will clarify the details.
Regarding platforms, Microsoft's current focus on multiplatform releases, combined with the impending launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, suggests the Oblivion remake could launch on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and potentially the Switch 2. A June Switch 2 launch could align with a possible Oblivion release window.
