Rumors are swirling that Bethesda is poised to announce a remake of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion in the coming weeks, with a release 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 release dates are less precise, NatetheHate suggests a pre-June launch, while VGC speculates it could arrive as early as April.

In January, Mp1st reported on seemingly leaked details of the Oblivion remake, accidentally released by 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. 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, addresses previous criticisms of its "boring" and "frustrating" nature. Sneak icons are now highlighted, damage calculations have been revised, and the Stamina depletion knockdown is harder to trigger. The HUD has been redesigned for clarity, hit reactions added for improved feedback, and Archery modernized for both first and third-person perspectives.

Every IGN Elder Scrolls Review

27 Images

Hints of an Oblivion remaster surfaced in 2023 when documents from the FTC versus Microsoft trial (regarding the Activision Blizzard acquisition) revealed several unannounced Bethesda games slated for release. This July 2020 list, predating Microsoft's March 2021 purchase of ZeniMax Media (Bethesda's parent company), 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 6
• Project Kestrel: Expansion
• Licensed IP Game
• Fallout 3 Remaster
• Ghostwire: Tokyo Sequel
• Dishonored 3
• DOOM Year Zero DLC

Several 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. The Elder Scrolls VI significantly missed its projected 2024 release.

The focus now shifts back to the Oblivion remaster (or perhaps, given the scale of the project, remake). It's notable that the Microsoft document referred to it as a remaster. The project's scope may have evolved since then.

Regarding platforms, given Microsoft's current multiplatform strategy 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.