The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, a beloved open-world role-playing game from Bethesda, is reportedly being remade and set for release in 2025. According to a leak from Mp1st, details of this unannounced project were accidentally disclosed by a former employee at Virtuos, a video game support studio. Microsoft, when approached by IGN for a comment, chose not to respond.
Virtuos is said to be using Unreal Engine 5 to remake Oblivion, suggesting a significant overhaul rather than a simple remaster. The leaked information includes gameplay changes such as modifications to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reaction, and the heads-up display (HUD). The changes to Blocking were made with action games and Soulslikes in mind, as the original system was deemed "boring" and "frustrating." Sneak icons are now reportedly highlighted, with revamped damage calculations. The knockdown effect from depleted Stamina is harder to trigger, and the HUD has been redesigned for better clarity. Additionally, hit reactions have been added to enhance feedback, and Archery has been updated for both first and third-person views.
Rumors of an Oblivion remaster first surfaced in 2023, when documents from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) versus Microsoft trial regarding the Activision Blizzard acquisition revealed a list of unannounced Bethesda projects. Compiled in July 2020, the list included an Oblivion Remaster set for the financial year 2022. However, many of the projects listed have been delayed or canceled. For instance, Doom Year Zero has been renamed Doom: The Dark Ages and is slated for a 2024 release, while Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was released in December 2024, and The Elder Scrolls 6 remains far from its projected release date.
The document referred to the project as a "remaster," but it appears the scope may have expanded to a full remake. The platforms for the Oblivion remake are yet to be officially confirmed, but with Microsoft's focus on multiplatform releases, it could potentially launch on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and even the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
Leaker NateTheHate has suggested that the Oblivion remake might launch in June 2025, aligning with the rumored release window for the Nintendo Switch 2. Meanwhile, Microsoft is set to hold an Xbox Developer Direct next week, where id Software will provide more details on Doom: The Dark Ages. Although another new game from a mystery developer will be revealed, it is not expected to be the Oblivion remake. Instead, Windows Central's Jez Corden hinted that the game will be a new entry in a legendary Japanese IP with a rich history, likely to excite many fans.
