The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remake Will Reportedly Be Revealed Soon, and Released Not Long After That

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, known for accurately predicting 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 is less certain, NatetheHate suggests a pre-June launch, with VGC hinting at a possible April release.

In January, Mp1st reported on seemingly leaked details of the Oblivion remake, apparently accidentally released by a former Virtuos employee. Microsoft declined to comment when contacted by IGN.

According to Mp1st, Virtuos rebuilt Bethesda's acclaimed RPG using Unreal Engine 5, suggesting a substantial remake rather than a simple remaster. Alleged gameplay changes include modifications to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reactions, and the HUD. The Blocking system, reportedly inspired by action and Soulslike games, was overhauled to address perceived issues of being "boring" and "frustrating." Sneak icons are now highlighted, damage calculations tweaked, and the Stamina-depletion knockdown made harder to trigger. The HUD received a redesign for improved clarity, hit reactions were added for better feedback, and Archery was modernized for both first and third-person perspectives.

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Early whispers of an Oblivion remaster surfaced in 2023 when documents from the FTC vs. Microsoft trial revealed several unannounced Bethesda titles slated for release. This July 2020 list, compiled before Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media, 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 projects 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. The Elder Scrolls VI significantly missed its projected release window.

The focus now returns to the Oblivion remaster (or possibly remake, given the scope of the changes). It's worth noting the Microsoft document referred to it as a remaster. The project's scope may have expanded since then.

Regarding platform availability, Microsoft's current multiplatform strategy, coupled with the impending release of the Nintendo Switch 2, suggests the possibility of an Oblivion remake launch across PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and potentially the Switch 2. A June Switch 2 launch could align with an Oblivion release.