Rumors of an Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion remake, slated for a 2025 release, have surfaced online, accompanied by a purported leak of details.
Gaming news outlet Mp1st reported that a former employee of Virtuos, a video game support studio, inadvertently disclosed information about the unannounced title. Microsoft declined to comment when questioned by IGN.
According to Mp1st's report, Virtuos utilized Unreal Engine 5 to rebuild Bethesda's acclaimed open-world RPG, suggesting a substantial overhaul rather than a simple remaster. The leak allegedly detailed gameplay modifications, including adjustments to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reactions, and the HUD.
Mp1st claims the Blocking system was redesigned with action and Soulslike games in mind, addressing criticisms of the original's "boring" and "frustrating" mechanics. Sneak icons are reportedly now highlighted, damage calculations have been revised, and the Stamina depletion knockdown is allegedly harder to trigger. The HUD underwent a redesign for improved clarity. Hit reactions were added for enhanced feedback, and Archery mechanics were supposedly modernized for both first-person and third-person perspectives.
Hints of an Oblivion remaster emerged in 2023 during the FTC vs. Microsoft trial concerning the Activision Blizzard acquisition. Documents revealed several unannounced Bethesda titles scheduled for release, compiled in July 2020, prior to Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media in March 2021. This list included:
Fiscal Year 2022:
- Oblivion Remaster
- Indiana Jones game
Fiscal Year 2023:
- Doom Year Zero and DLC
- Project Kestrel
- Project Platinum
Fiscal Year 2024:
- The Elder Scrolls VI
- Project Kestrel: Expansion
- Licensed IP Game
- Fallout 3 Remaster
- Ghostwire: Tokyo Sequel
- Dishonored 3
- DOOM Year Zero DLC
Many of these titles faced delays or cancellation. Doom Year Zero became Doom: The Dark Ages, launching this year. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was released in December 2024, and The Elder Scrolls VI significantly missed its projected release window.
The Oblivion remaster, initially listed as such in Microsoft's documents, is now the focus. The project's scope may have expanded from a remaster to a full-fledged remake. The truth will be revealed when Bethesda officially unveils the project, one of gaming's worst-kept secrets.
Platform speculation is rife. Given Microsoft's current multiplatform strategy and the anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, Oblivion might release on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Leaker NateTheHate, who recently predicted the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal date, claims the Oblivion remake launches this June. A simultaneous release with the Switch 2, if the rumored timeframe holds true, is a possibility.
Microsoft's Xbox Developer Direct next week will feature id Software revealing more about Doom: The Dark Ages. A new game from an undisclosed developer is also teased, but it's unlikely to be Oblivion. Windows Central's Jez Corden hints at "a new entry in a legendary Japanese IP with decades of history," promising excitement for fans.
