The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remake, rumored to be in development and slated for a 2025 release, has sparked excitement with a leaked list of details circulating online. According to Mp1st, these details were inadvertently shared by a former employee at Virtuos, a video game support studio. Microsoft, when approached by IGN, chose not to comment on the matter.

Mp1st reports that Virtuos has undertaken a comprehensive remake of Bethesda's beloved open-world RPG using Unreal Engine 5, indicating a significant overhaul rather than a simple remaster. The leaked information suggests various gameplay enhancements, including modifications to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reaction, and the heads-up display (HUD).

Reportedly, the Blocking mechanic has been revamped to align with action games and Soulslikes, addressing the original's perceived "boring" and "frustrating" nature. Sneak icons are now highlighted, and damage calculations have been updated. The effect of depleting Stamina leading to a knockdown is said to be more challenging to achieve. The HUD has been redesigned for better clarity, hit reactions have been introduced for more responsive gameplay, and Archery has 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 (FTC) versus Microsoft trial concerning the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. These documents, compiled in July 2020 before Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media in March 2021, listed several unannounced Bethesda projects planned for release in subsequent years. The list included:

• Financial year 2022:

  • Oblivion Remaster
  • Indiana Jones game

• Financial year 2023:

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

• Financial year 2024:

  • The Elder Scrolls 6
  • Project Kestrel: Expansion
  • Licensed IP Game
  • Fallout 3 Remaster
  • Ghostwire: Tokyo Sequel
  • Dishonored 3
  • DOOM Year Zero DLC

Several of these projects have faced delays or cancellations. Doom Year Zero has been rebranded as Doom: The Dark Ages, set to launch this year, while Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was released in December 2024. The Elder Scrolls 6 did not meet its projected timeline for financial year 2024.

The focus now shifts to the Oblivion remake, which was initially labeled a remaster in the Microsoft document. It's possible that the project's scope expanded into a full remake. The gaming community eagerly awaits an official announcement from Bethesda to clarify these developments.

Regarding platform availability, Microsoft's commitment to multiplatform releases suggests that the Oblivion remake could be accessible on more than just PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. With the anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, there's speculation that Oblivion might be part of its launch lineup.

Leaker NateTheHate has suggested that the Oblivion remake could launch in June, coinciding with the rumored reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2. If these timelines align, Oblivion might indeed be a key title for the new console's launch window.

Next week, Microsoft will host an Xbox Developer Direct, where id Software, owned by ZeniMax, will provide more details on Doom: The Dark Ages. Microsoft has also hinted at revealing a new game from an undisclosed developer, though it appears unlikely to be the Oblivion remake. Windows Central's Jez Corden has hinted that this mystery game is a new installment in a long-standing Japanese franchise, promising to delight many fans.