Oblivion Reforged: Leaked Details Emerge Online

Rumors of an 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 questioned 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 heads-up display (HUD).

Mp1st claims that the Blocking mechanic was redesigned with action and Soulslike games in mind, addressing criticisms of the original system's "boring" and "frustrating" nature. Sneak icons are reportedly now highlighted, damage calculations have been revised, and the Stamina depletion knockdown is allegedly more difficult to trigger. The HUD has undergone a redesign for improved clarity. Furthermore, hit reactions were added for enhanced feedback, and Archery mechanics have been modernized for both first-person and third-person perspectives.

News of an Oblivion remaster initially emerged in 2023, when documents submitted during the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lawsuit against Microsoft (regarding the Activision Blizzard acquisition) revealed several unannounced Bethesda titles planned for future release. This list, compiled in July 2020, prior to Microsoft's March 2021 acquisition of ZeniMax Media (Bethesda's parent company), included:

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

Several of these titles have since faced delays or cancellation. Doom Year Zero is now Doom: The Dark Ages, launching this year. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was released in December 2024. The Elder Scrolls VI is significantly behind schedule.

The Oblivion remaster/remake remains a point of interest. It's noteworthy that the Microsoft document referred to it as a remaster. The project's scope may have expanded into a full remake. Official confirmation from Bethesda is awaited.

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.

Leakers, including NateTheHate (who recently reported on the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal date), suggest a June release for the Oblivion remake. This timeframe aligns with potential Switch 2 launch window.

Microsoft's upcoming Xbox Developer Direct next week will feature id Software's reveal of Doom: The Dark Ages. Microsoft has also teased a new game from an undisclosed Japanese developer, but it's unlikely to be Oblivion. Windows Central's Jez Corden hints at a "new entry in a legendary Japanese IP with decades of history."