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 shortly thereafter. 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 was corroborated by VGC. While the release date remains less certain, NatetheHate suggests a pre-June launch, while VGC speculates a possible April release.
AnswerSee ResultsIn January, Mp1st reported on seemingly leaked details of the Oblivion remake, allegedly originating from a former employee at Virtuos, a video game support studio. Microsoft declined to comment when contacted by IGN.
According to Mp1st, Virtuos utilized Unreal Engine 5 for the remake, suggesting a substantial overhaul rather than a simple remaster. Reported gameplay changes include adjustments to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reactions, and the HUD. The Blocking system was allegedly redesigned with action and Soulslike games in mind, addressing criticisms of its original “boring” and “frustrating” mechanics. Sneak icons are said to be more prominent, damage calculations have been revised, and the Stamina depletion knockdown is reportedly harder to trigger. The HUD has been redesigned for improved clarity, hit reactions have been added for better feedback, and Archery has been modernized for both first and third-person perspectives.
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News of an Oblivion remaster first surfaced in 2023 when documents from the FTC vs. Microsoft trial revealed several unannounced Bethesda games slated for release. This list, compiled in July 2020, 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 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 in May. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle arrived in December 2024. And The Elder Scrolls VI significantly missed its projected release window.
The focus now shifts back to the Oblivion remaster (or possibly remake). The Microsoft document referred to it as a remaster, suggesting the project's scope may have expanded since then. The upcoming announcement will clarify the situation.
Regarding platforms, given Microsoft’s current focus on multiplatform releases and the impending release of the Nintendo Switch 2, the Oblivion remake could launch on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and potentially the Switch 2, potentially aligning with the Switch 2’s launch window around June.
