The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remake, rumored to be in development and slated for a 2025 release, has reportedly had its details leaked online. According to Mp1st, the information was inadvertently disclosed by a former employee at Virtuos, a video game support studio. Microsoft, when approached by IGN for a comment, chose not to respond.
Mp1st's report suggests that Virtuos has utilized Unreal Engine 5 to completely remake Bethesda's beloved open-world RPG, hinting at a substantial overhaul rather than a simple remaster. The leaked details also mention changes to various gameplay elements, such as Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reactions, and the heads-up display (HUD).
The changes to the gameplay mechanics reportedly aim to enhance the player experience. For instance, the Blocking system has been revamped with inspiration from action games and Soulslikes, addressing the original's perceived "boring" and "frustrating" mechanics. Sneak icons are now more visible, and the damage calculation has been updated. The difficulty of triggering a knockdown from depleted Stamina has been increased, and the HUD has been redesigned for better clarity. Additionally, hit reactions have been introduced to improve responsiveness, and Archery mechanics have been modernized for both first and third-person perspectives.
The concept of an Oblivion remaster first surfaced in 2023 during the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) versus Microsoft trial concerning the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Documents from the trial, dating back to July 2020 before Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media in March 2021, listed several unannounced Bethesda projects. These 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 cancellations. Doom Year Zero has been rebranded as Doom: The Dark Ages and is set to launch this year. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was released in December 2024, and The Elder Scrolls 6 did not meet its projected 2024 release.
Focusing on the Oblivion project, the original document referred to it as a remaster. However, it seems the scope might have expanded into a full remake, which we will likely learn more about once Bethesda officially announces it.
Regarding the platforms for the Oblivion remake, Microsoft is now focusing on multiplatform releases. With the anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the game may be available on more platforms than just PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. Leaker NateTheHate has suggested that the Oblivion remake could launch in June, potentially aligning with the Switch 2's release window.
Next week, Microsoft's Xbox Developer Direct will showcase more information on Doom: The Dark Ages from id Software, a ZeniMax-owned studio. While the event will also unveil a new game from a mystery developer, it does not seem to be related to the Oblivion remake. Windows Central’s Jez Corden has hinted that this new game is a fresh entry in a long-standing Japanese franchise, which should excite many fans.
