"Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Surges on Steam, Set for Expansion"

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has made a spectacular debut on Steam, achieving a peak concurrent player count of over 180,000 on its launch day. Released unexpectedly by Bethesda on April 22, the game quickly soared to the top of Steam's global top-selling games list, surpassing major titles like Valve's Counter-Strike 2, the viral sensation Schedule I, and Blizzard's Overwatch 2, which had just received a major update.

On its first day, Oblivion Remastered secured the fourth spot among the most-played games on Steam, trailing only behind Counter-Strike 2, PUBG, and Dota 2. It also stands out as the most-played single-player RPG on the platform, outpacing the popular Baldur's Gate 3, and has garnered a 'very positive' user review rating.

While Steam's statistics provide a snapshot of the game's success, the full scope of Oblivion Remastered's launch extends beyond these numbers. As a title owned by Microsoft (through Bethesda's parent company ZeniMax Media), it was immediately made available on Xbox Game Pass for Ultimate subscribers, likely attracting a significant number of players through this service. Additionally, the game's release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S further amplifies its reach, suggesting that the actual peak concurrent player count across all platforms on launch day is much higher than the reported 180,000.

Though Bethesda has yet to release total player or sales figures, the initial success of Oblivion Remastered is undeniable, and the game is poised for even greater numbers as it enters its first weekend on sale.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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Developed by Virtuos using Unreal Engine 5, Oblivion Remastered boasts a range of visual and feature enhancements. The game runs at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second, but the improvements go beyond mere technical upgrades. Enhancements span across leveling systems, character creation, combat animations, and in-game menus. New dialogue, a refined third-person view, and advanced lip sync technology have also been introduced. These changes have been well-received by fans, with some suggesting that the game could be considered a remake rather than a remaster. However, Bethesda has clarified its decision to label it as a remaster.

Originally launched in 2006 as a sequel to the beloved Morrowind, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was released on PC and Xbox 360, with a PlayStation 3 version following in 2007. Set in the fictional province of Cyrodiil, the game follows the player's journey to thwart a fanatical cult intent on opening portals to the demonic realm of Oblivion.

For those diving into the remastered version, comprehensive resources are available, including an expansive Interactive Map, detailed Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and all Guild Quests, tips on building the perfect character, and advice on what to do first to maximize your gaming experience.