Oblivion Remake Details Surface Online

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

Gaming news outlet Mp1st reported that a former employee of Virtuos, a video game support studio, inadvertently disclosed information about the unannounced title. Microsoft declined to comment when contacted by IGN.

According to Mp1st's report, Virtuos utilized Unreal Engine 5 to reconstruct 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 heads-up display (HUD).

The Blocking system, Mp1st claims, was redesigned with inspiration from action and Soulslike games, addressing criticisms of its original "boring" and "frustrating" mechanics. Sneak icons reportedly receive visual enhancements, damage calculations are revised, and Stamina depletion's knockdown effect is made less frequent. The HUD underwent a redesign for improved clarity. Furthermore, hit reactions were added for enhanced feedback, and Archery mechanics were modernized for both first 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 games, compiled in July 2020, which included Oblivion Remaster. However, many titles on that list experienced delays or cancellations. For example, Doom Year Zero became Doom: The Dark Ages, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle saw a delayed December 2024 release. The Elder Scrolls VI also missed its projected timeframe.

The discrepancy between the leaked remake and the original "remaster" designation warrants attention. The project's scope may have expanded significantly during development. An official announcement from Bethesda is needed to clarify the situation.

Speculation regarding platform availability is rife. Given Microsoft's current multi-platform strategy and the anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2, the Oblivion remake could potentially launch on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Leaker NateTheHate, who recently predicted the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal date, suggests a June release for the Oblivion remake. This timeframe aligns with potential Switch 2 launch window reports.

Microsoft's upcoming Xbox Developer Direct next week will feature id Software showcasing Doom: The Dark Ages. While Microsoft has teased a new game from an undisclosed developer, it's unlikely to be Oblivion, with Windows Central's Jez Corden hinting at a new entry in a long-standing Japanese franchise.

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