"Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remake Set for Imminent Reveal and Release"

Excitement is brewing in the gaming community as Bethesda is reportedly gearing up to announce a remake of *The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion* in the coming weeks, with a release expected shortly thereafter. The news was first hinted at by the reliable leaker NatetheHate, who correctly predicted the announcement date of the Nintendo Switch 2. According to NatetheHate's tweet, the reveal of the Oblivion remake is expected either this month or next, a claim that was further corroborated by VGC. While the release window remains somewhat uncertain, NatetheHate suggests a launch before June, whereas VGC indicates it could be as early as April.

Back in January, Mp1st shed light on the project when a former employee of video game support studio Virtuos accidentally revealed details about the Oblivion remake. Microsoft, when approached by IGN for a comment, chose not to respond. According to Mp1st, Virtuos is using Unreal Engine 5 to completely overhaul Bethesda's beloved open-world RPG, suggesting a more ambitious remake rather than a simple remaster. The remake reportedly includes significant gameplay changes such as modifications to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reaction, and the heads-up display (HUD).

The gameplay alterations aim to modernize the experience, with Blocking being revamped to align more with action games and Soulslikes due to the original system being deemed "boring" and "frustrating." Sneak icons are now highlighted, and damage calculation has been revamped. The knockdown effect from depleting Stamina is harder to trigger, and the HUD has been redesigned for better clarity. Additionally, hit reactions have been added for more responsive combat, and Archery has been updated for both first and third-person perspectives.

Every IGN Elder Scrolls Review

27 Images

Rumors of an Oblivion remaster first surfaced in 2023 when documents from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) versus Microsoft trial regarding the acquisition of Activision Blizzard were made public. These documents outlined several unannounced Bethesda titles planned for future release, including an *Oblivion Remaster* listed for financial year 2022. Other titles included an Indiana Jones game, *Doom Year Zero* and its DLC, *Project Kestrel*, *Project Platinum*, *The Elder Scrolls 6*, a *Fallout 3 Remaster*, a *Ghostwire: Tokyo* sequel, *Dishonored 3*, and more. However, many of these projects were either delayed or canceled, with *Doom Year Zero* now renamed to *Doom: The Dark Ages* and set for a May release, and *Indiana Jones and the Great Circle* not launching until December 2024.

The term *remaster* used in the Microsoft document for the Oblivion project suggests a less extensive overhaul than what is now rumored to be a full remake. It's possible that the project's scope evolved over time, leading Bethesda to opt for a more comprehensive remake. The gaming community eagerly awaits official confirmation and further details on what has become one of the most anticipated announcements in recent years.

As for platform availability, Microsoft's recent shift towards multiplatform releases suggests that the Oblivion remake could be available on more than just PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. With the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, there's potential for the game to be part of the console's launch lineup, especially if the Switch 2 arrives around June.