TES: Oblivion Remake Leaks Hint at Immersive Return

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 details gameplay modifications, including adjustments to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reactions, and the heads-up display (HUD).

Mp1st claims the Blocking mechanic was redesigned with action and Soulslike games in mind, addressing criticisms of the original system's "boring" and "frustrating" nature. Sneak icons are reportedly enhanced for better visibility, damage calculations have been refined, and the Stamina-depletion knockdown is supposedly harder to trigger. The HUD has undergone a redesign for improved clarity. Furthermore, hit reactions were added for clearer feedback, and Archery mechanics have been modernized for both first 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 games, including an Oblivion remaster, scheduled for release in subsequent years. This list, compiled in July 2020, predated Microsoft's March 2021 acquisition of ZeniMax Media, Bethesda's parent company. The 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 is now 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 remake, originally listed as a remaster, is now the focus of attention. The project's scope may have expanded from a remaster to a full-fledged remake. The truth will be revealed upon official announcement.

Speculation abounds regarding platform availability. Given Microsoft's current multiplatform strategy and the anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2, Oblivion could potentially launch on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Leaker NateTheHate, who recently predicted the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal date, claims the Oblivion remake is set for a June release. This aligns with reported Switch 2 launch timelines.

Microsoft's upcoming Xbox Developer Direct next week will feature id Software's presentation of Doom: The Dark Ages. Microsoft has also teased a new game from an undisclosed developer, but it's unlikely to be Oblivion. Windows Central's Jez Corden hinted that the mystery game is a "new entry in a legendary Japanese IP with decades of history."