Since September 2023, it has been clear that Bethesda is working on a remake of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. In January 2025, purported insider information about the release window and gameplay improvements came to light.
Update from January 26, 2025: Contrary to expectations, there was no announcement for the remake of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion during this week’s Xbox showcase. Instead, a new installment in the Ninja Gaiden series and a remaster of Ninja Gaiden 2 were announced.
However, this does not mean that the leak from mid-January was incorrect; the Oblivion remake could be released in just a few months. According to a report by industry insider Tom Warren from The Verge, his sources also stated last year that the game is set to be released in spring or summer 2025.
Additionally, Warren notes that Team Xbox might have another potential gem up its sleeve for 2025: Gears of War: E-Day is also rumored by his sources to be aiming for a release this year.
Where do the new insights come from? The authorities at mp1st.com refer in their latest report to the (not linked) website of a former Virtuos employee who allegedly worked on the Oblivion remake from 2023 to 2024.
There, the developer apparently reveals details about the remaster project, of which we have known since September 2023. During the court case between the FTC and Microsoft, which involved the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, documents were published confirming the work on a remake of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is considered one of the best role-playing games of all time:
More than just a remaster
What does the purported leak reveal? Apparently, fans of Elder Scrolls IV expect significantly more than just a technical modernization (as is common with pure remaster remakes). Oblivion is set to be “completely redesigned” with Unreal Engine 5.
In particular, six gameplay areas of the 2006 role-playing game have reportedly been overhauled: the stamina system, stealth, blocking, archery, hit feedback, and the interface.
The new blocking system is said to be inspired by the Souls titles from From Software to provide a more exciting and less frustrating gaming experience. Overall, the remake is expected to feel more modern, comprehensible, and engaging.
According to the well-connected and reliable industry insider “Nate the Hate”, a launch of the remake could already be planned for June 2025 (via YouTube). Official details may be available on January 23, 2025, when Microsoft invites to the next “Developer Direct” for the Xbox ecosystem. A new game is supposed to be announced there (via news.xbox.com).
What do I need to know about Oblivion? The fourth part of the popular Elder Scrolls series was released for PC, Xbox 360, and PS3 and received ratings averaging around 93 and 94 (via metacritic.com). The user score there is 8.5.
On Steam, 95 percent of over 38,000 reviews are positive. For many genre fans, Oblivion is considered one of the best role-playing games of all time. In some Elder Scrolls rankings, the fourth part even appears at number 1 before Morrowind and Skyrim. By November 2011, the game had sold more than 3.5 million copies. Unfortunately, there are no current numbers available.
Oblivion continues to captivate with its vast open world, enormous gameplay freedom, and the sandbox gaming experience that is characteristic of the Elder Scrolls series. Oblivion has also earned the reputation of having changed the entire industry with a single detail: A notorious DLC from Bethesda brought the company millions and caused a significant change in gaming.
