TESIV: Oblivion Remake Leaks Emerge

Rumors of a potential The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion remake, slated for a 2025 release, have surfaced online, accompanied by a purported leak of development details.

Gaming news outlet Mp1st reported that a former employee of Virtuos, a video game support studio, inadvertently disclosed information about the unannounced project. Microsoft declined to comment when contacted 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 detailed gameplay modifications, including adjustments to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reactions, and the HUD.

Mp1st claims the Blocking system was redesigned with action and Soulslike games in mind, addressing criticisms of the original's "boring" and "frustrating" mechanics. Sneak icons are reportedly now highlighted, damage calculations have been revised, and the Stamina-depletion knockdown is supposedly harder to trigger. The HUD underwent a redesign for improved clarity, hit reactions were added for enhanced feedback, and Archery mechanics were modernized for both first-person 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 a list of unannounced Bethesda titles, compiled in July 2020, including an Oblivion Remaster, slated for fiscal year 2022. However, many titles on that list faced delays or cancellation. For example, Doom Year Zero became Doom: The Dark Ages, and The Elder Scrolls VI significantly missed its projected release window.

The discrepancy between the leaked remake and the previously documented remaster raises questions about the project's evolving scope. The official unveiling of this long-rumored title is highly anticipated.

Regarding platform availability, Microsoft's current multi-platform strategy suggests a wider release than just PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. With the anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2, Oblivion's potential arrival on this platform is a possibility.

Leaker NateTheHate, who recently reported on the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal date, claims the Oblivion remake will launch this June, potentially coinciding with the Switch 2 launch.

Microsoft's upcoming Xbox Developer Direct will feature id Software showcasing Doom: The Dark Ages, and a new game from an undisclosed Japanese developer, but this is not expected to be Oblivion. Windows Central's Jez Corden described the mystery game as a new installment in a long-standing Japanese franchise.