"Oblivion Remake Details Leak Online"

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remake, rumored to be in development and slated for a 2025 release, has recently sparked interest due to an alleged leak of project details. According to Mp1st, these details surfaced after a former employee at Virtuos, a video game support studio, accidentally released information about the unannounced game. Microsoft, when approached by IGN, declined to comment on the matter.

The leak suggests that Virtuos is remaking Bethesda's beloved open-world RPG using Unreal Engine 5, indicating a comprehensive overhaul rather than a simple remaster. The reported changes include modifications to gameplay mechanics such as Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reaction, and the heads-up display (HUD). Specifically, the blocking system has been updated to draw inspiration from action games and Soulslikes, aiming to address the original's perceived "boring" and "frustrating" mechanics. Sneak mechanics now feature highlighted icons and revamped damage calculations, while the stamina depletion knockdown effect is reportedly harder to trigger. The HUD has been redesigned for clarity, hit reactions have been enhanced for better responsiveness, and archery mechanics have been modernized for both first and third-person views.

Rumors of an Oblivion remaster first surfaced in 2023, following the release of documents during the Federal Trade Commission's trial against Microsoft over the Activision Blizzard acquisition. These documents, compiled in July 2020 before Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media in March 2021, listed several unannounced Bethesda projects planned for release over subsequent years. The list included an "Oblivion Remaster" for financial year 2022, alongside other titles like 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 additional Doom Year Zero DLC. However, many of these projects faced delays or cancellations. Doom Year Zero evolved into Doom: The Dark Ages, set for release this year, while the Indiana Jones game, titled Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, was delayed until December 2024. The Elder Scrolls 6 did not meet its projected financial year 2024 release.

The document referred to the project as an "Oblivion Remaster," yet the current leaks suggest a more ambitious remake. The scope of the project may have expanded significantly since its initial planning. As for the platforms on which the Oblivion remake will be available, Microsoft's recent emphasis on multiplatform releases hints at a broad launch, potentially including the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 alongside PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.

Leaker NateTheHate has speculated that the Oblivion remake could be released this June, aligning with the rumored launch window of the Nintendo Switch 2. Microsoft is set to host an Xbox Developer Direct next week, where id Software will share more about Doom: The Dark Ages. While Microsoft has teased the reveal of a new game from a mystery developer, Jez Corden from Windows Central suggests it will be a new entry in a legendary Japanese IP, rather than the Oblivion remake.