Rumors are swirling that Bethesda is poised to announce a remake of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion in the coming weeks, with a release soon after. NatetheHate, a leaker with a proven track record (including correctly predicting the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement date), tweeted that the reveal is expected this month or next. VGC corroborated this information. While the release date remains slightly less certain, NatetheHate suggests a pre-June launch, while VGC speculates it could arrive as early as April.
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 modifications to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reactions, and the HUD. The Blocking system was reportedly redesigned, drawing inspiration from action games and Soulslikes to address criticisms of its original "boring" and "frustrating" mechanics. Other changes reportedly include highlighted Sneak icons, revamped damage calculations, adjustments to Stamina depletion knockdowns, a redesigned HUD for improved clarity, added hit reactions, and modernized Archery mechanics in both first and third-person perspectives.
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Initial whispers of an Oblivion remaster surfaced in 2023 when documents from the FTC vs. Microsoft trial revealed a list of unannounced Bethesda games slated for release. This list, compiled in July 2020, 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 VI, Project Kestrel: Expansion, Licensed IP Game, Fallout 3 Remaster, Ghostwire: Tokyo Sequel, Dishonored 3, DOOM Year Zero DLC
Many of these titles experienced delays or cancellations. Doom Year Zero became Doom: The Dark Ages, launching in May. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle launched in December 2024, and The Elder Scrolls VI significantly missed its projected release window.
The Oblivion remaster, however, remains a focal point. It's noteworthy that the Microsoft document referred to it as a remaster. The project's scope may have since expanded into a full-fledged remake. The upcoming announcement will clarify this.
Regarding platform availability, Microsoft’s current focus on multiplatform releases suggests the Oblivion remake could launch on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and potentially even the Nintendo Switch 2, given its anticipated release around June.
