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 timeline is supported 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, accidentally revealed by a former Virtuos employee. Microsoft declined to comment on the report 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 adjustments to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reactions, and the HUD. The Blocking system, reportedly deemed “boring” and “frustrating” in the original, was overhauled with inspiration from action and Soulslike games. Sneak icons are said to be more prominent, damage calculations revised, and Stamina depletion knockdowns harder to trigger. The HUD has been redesigned for improved clarity, hit reactions added for clearer feedback, and Archery modernized 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 several unannounced Bethesda titles slated for release. A July 2020 list, compiled before Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media, 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
Many of these projects faced delays or cancellation. Doom Year Zero became Doom: The Dark Ages, launching in May. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle arrived in December 2024, and The Elder Scrolls VI remains far from its projected 2024 release.
The original Microsoft document referred to the project as a remaster. The current scope, however, appears to be a full-fledged remake. The upcoming announcement will clarify this.
Concerning platform availability, Microsoft’s embrace of multiplatform releases, coupled with the anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, suggests the Oblivion remake may arrive on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and potentially the Switch 2. A June Switch 2 release could align with a potential Oblivion remake launch window.
