The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remake Details Reportedly Leak Online

Rumors of an Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion remake, slated for a 2025 release, have surfaced online, accompanied by leaked 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 questioned by IGN.

According to Mp1st, Virtuos utilized Unreal Engine 5 to rebuild Bethesda's acclaimed open-world RPG, suggesting a comprehensive remake rather than a simple remaster. The leak allegedly detailed gameplay adjustments, including modifications to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reactions, and the Heads-Up Display (HUD).

Mp1st's report claims the Blocking system was redesigned, drawing inspiration from action and Soulslike games, addressing criticisms of the original's "boring" and "frustrating" mechanics. Sneak icons are reportedly enhanced, damage calculations revised, and the Stamina-depletion knockdown made more difficult 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 and third-person perspectives.

News of an Oblivion remaster first emerged in 2023, surfacing in documents from the FTC vs. Microsoft trial concerning the Activision Blizzard acquisition. This July 2020 document, preceding Microsoft's March 2021 purchase of ZeniMax Media (Bethesda's parent company), listed several unannounced Bethesda titles:

Fiscal Year 2022:

• Oblivion Remaster
• Indiana Jones game

Fiscal Year 2023:

• Doom Year Zero and DLC
• Project Kestrel
• Project Platinum

Fiscal Year 2024:

• The Elder Scrolls VI
• Project Kestrel: Expansion
• Licensed IP Game
• Fallout 3 Remaster
• Ghostwire: Tokyo Sequel
• Dishonored 3
• DOOM Year Zero DLC

Many of these titles faced delays or cancellation. Doom Year Zero became Doom: The Dark Ages, launching this year. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle released in December 2024, and The Elder Scrolls VI significantly missed its projected release window.

The Oblivion remake, initially listed as a remaster, is now the focus. The project's scope may have expanded from a remaster to a full remake. Official confirmation from Bethesda is pending.

Platform speculation is rife. Given Microsoft's current multiplatform strategy and the anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2, Oblivion could launch on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and potentially the Switch 2.

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

Microsoft's upcoming Xbox Developer Direct features id Software revealing more about Doom: The Dark Ages. While Microsoft teased a new game from an undisclosed developer, it's unlikely to be Oblivion. Windows Central's Jez Corden hinted at a new entry in a long-standing Japanese IP.