Bethesda Game Studios has recently shed light on why Virtuos' newly released The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered is not labeled as a remake. In a detailed post on X/Twitter, the studio behind the iconic fantasy RPG series explained their choice of terminology and the philosophy behind their approach. Bethesda emphasized that they never intended to remake the game but rather to remaster it, aiming to preserve the original experience while enhancing it with modern technology. They stated, "We never wanted to remake it – but remaster it – where the original game was there as you remember playing it, but seen through today’s technology."
This clarification comes as fans get their first official look at Oblivion Remastered and have the opportunity to dive in themselves. The game is now available, featuring a range of visual upgrades and some key gameplay enhancements. Notable changes include the introduction of sprinting and a new level-up system that blends elements from the original Oblivion and The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim.
Despite the numerous tweaks, from new sewer grate designs to significant gameplay alterations, some players argue that Oblivion Remastered feels more like a remake than a mere visual update. Bethesda, however, remains firm in their stance, having started work on this project in 2021. They explained, "We looked at every part and carefully upgraded it. But most of all, we never wanted to change the core. It’s still a game from a previous era and should feel like one."
Bethesda expressed their gratitude towards both returning and new players, hoping that everyone feels the thrill of experiencing the game anew. They stated, "We know many of our longtime fans will be thrilled to revisit Oblivion and the land of Cyrodiil. But there are also so many who have never played it. We can’t thank you enough for all the support you have given us and our games over the years. Our hope with this remaster is, that no matter who you are, when you step out of the Imperial sewer – you feel like you’re experiencing it for the first time."
From all of us at Bethesda Game Studios... pic.twitter.com/AKlUXrmYW5
— Bethesda Game Studios (@BethesdaStudios) April 22, 2025
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered is now available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S, and can also be played through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. For those eager to explore, we offer a comprehensive guide covering everything in Oblivion Remastered, from an expansive Interactive Map to complete Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and every Guild Quest, tips on How to Build the Perfect Character, and much more.
