"Oblivion Remake Details Leak Online"

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remake, rumored to be in development with a speculated release in 2025, has sparked interest with a leaked list of details that surfaced online. According to Mp1st, these details were unintentionally released by a former employee at Virtuos, a video game support studio. Microsoft has remained silent on the matter when approached by IGN.

Reportedly, Virtuos has utilized Unreal Engine 5 to completely remake Bethesda's beloved open-world RPG, suggesting a more extensive overhaul than a simple remaster. The leaked information from Mp1st outlines several gameplay modifications, including adjustments to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reaction, and the heads-up display (HUD).

The changes to Blocking were inspired by action games and Soulslikes, aiming to address the original's perceived issues of being "boring" and "frustrating." Sneak icons are now highlighted, and damage calculations have been updated. Triggering a knockdown due to depleted Stamina is supposedly more challenging, and the HUD has been redesigned for better clarity. Additionally, hit reactions have been introduced to enhance responsiveness, while Archery mechanics have been updated for both first and third-person views.

Rumors of an Oblivion remaster first surfaced in 2023 following the release of documents from the FTC vs. 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 slated for release in subsequent years:

• 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 been delayed or canceled. Notably, Doom Year Zero evolved into Doom: The Dark Ages, scheduled for release this year, while Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was released in December 2024. The Elder Scrolls 6 did not meet its planned financial year 2024 release.

The focus now shifts to the Oblivion project, which was initially labeled as a remaster in the Microsoft document. It appears the project may have evolved into a full-fledged remake, a development we anticipate will be clarified upon Bethesda's official announcement.

Regarding platform availability, Microsoft's commitment to multiplatform releases suggests that the Oblivion remake might extend beyond PC, Xbox, and PlayStation to include the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Leaker NateTheHate has indicated that the remake could launch in June, potentially aligning with the Switch 2's speculated launch window.

Next week, Microsoft's Xbox Developer Direct event will feature more details on Doom: The Dark Ages from id Software, a ZeniMax-owned studio. Although Oblivion won't be showcased, Microsoft has hinted at revealing a new game from an undisclosed developer. Windows Central's Jez Corden suggests this mystery game will be a new installment in a well-established Japanese franchise, promising excitement for fans.