Oblivion Remake Details Leak Online

Rumors of an Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion remake, slated for a 2025 release, have surfaced online, fueled by a purported leak of development details. According to Mp1st, a former employee at Virtuos, a video game support studio, inadvertently released information regarding the project. Microsoft has declined to comment on the speculation.

Mp1st's report suggests Virtuos utilized Unreal Engine 5 to rebuild Bethesda's acclaimed open-world RPG, hinting at a substantial remake rather than a simple remaster. Alleged gameplay adjustments include modifications to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reactions, and the HUD. The Blocking system, reportedly inspired by action and Soulslike games, addresses criticisms of its original "boring" and "frustrating" mechanics. Sneak icons are said to be enhanced, damage calculations refined, and the Stamina depletion knockdown made less frequent. The HUD has undergone a redesign for improved clarity, hit reactions have been added for better feedback, and Archery has reportedly been modernized for both first and third-person perspectives.

News of an Oblivion remaster first emerged in 2023, revealed in documents from the FTC versus Microsoft trial concerning the Activision Blizzard acquisition. A July 2020 list, compiled before Microsoft's purchase of ZeniMax Media in March 2021, included several unannounced Bethesda titles, including an Oblivion remaster, slated for fiscal year 2022. This list also featured titles like an Indiana Jones game, Doom Year Zero, Project Kestrel, Project Platinum, The Elder Scrolls VI, and Fallout 3 remaster, among others. Many of these projects have since experienced delays or cancellations. Doom Year Zero, now titled Doom: The Dark Ages, is set for release this year, while Indiana Jones and the Great Circle launched in December 2024. The Elder Scrolls VI also significantly missed its projected release window.

The discrepancy between the initially reported remaster and the current remake rumors is noteworthy. The evolution from a remaster to a full-scale remake suggests a significant expansion of the project's scope. Bethesda's official announcement will clarify the situation.

Speculation regarding platform availability is rife. Given Microsoft's current multi-platform release strategy and the anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the Oblivion remake may potentially release on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Leaker NateTheHate, who recently reported on the alleged Nintendo Switch 2 reveal date, claims the Oblivion remake is scheduled for a June release. This timeframe aligns with potential Switch 2 launch rumors, suggesting a possible simultaneous release.

Microsoft's upcoming Xbox Developer Direct, featuring ZeniMax-owned id Software's presentation on Doom: The Dark Ages, is expected next week. While Microsoft has teased a new game from an undisclosed Japanese developer, it's unlikely to be Oblivion. Windows Central's Jez Corden hints at a new entry in a long-standing Japanese franchise.