Overview
- The release of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 coincides with the launch of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, leading to amusing comparisons across social media platforms.
- Developed using Unreal Engine 5, Oblivion Remastered is available in both Standard and Deluxe editions, featuring exciting added content.
- Both titles will be accessible via Xbox Game Pass, giving gamers the chance to experience each game without upfront costs.
Publisher Kepler Interactive humorously noted through social media that the release of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is perfectly timed with the surprise launch of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered. Echoing the “Barbenheimer”trend that captivated audiences in July 2023, Kepler Interactive’s social media post playfully highlighted this unique overlap in the gaming calendar.
On April 22, Bethesda and Microsoft unveiled Oblivion Remastered unexpectedly, offering gamers both a Standard Edition and a Digital Deluxe Edition. Having circling rumors much like one of the industry’s worst-kept secrets, the project was developed collaboratively with Virtuos. The Standard Edition includes the core game along with two expansions: The Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine. In comparison, the Deluxe Edition offers additional armor, alongside a digital art book and soundtrack. Both editions benefit from advances via Unreal Engine 5, the same engine used to create Expedition 33.
Although Expedition 33 and Oblivion Remastered deliver distinct role-playing experiences, the simultaneous release drew attention from the team at Kepler Interactive. As reported by IGN, Kepler Interactive humorously likened their game launch to the “Barbenheimer”event, showcasing a clever graphical edit that substituted key imagery from Expedition 33 with a notable Oblivion Gate, as Expedition 33 characters gazed into its infernal glow.
Kepler Interactive’s Witty Barbenheimer Reference
omg its like barbenheimer pic.twitter.com/TN1AFzdggc — Kepler Interactive (@Kepler_Interact) April 22, 2025
The term “Barbenheimer”refers to the simultaneous release of two major films—Barbie and Oppenheimer—in the summer of 2023. The stark contrast between Oppenheimer’s dark themes and Barbie’s vibrant storytelling resonated with audiences, driving both films to commercial success and multiple award nominations in the year.
Fans responded enthusiastically to Kepler Interactive’s playful observation about the proximity of the release dates for Oblivion Remastered and Expedition 33, questioning whether the former would overshadow the latter when it launches on April 24. While Oblivion Remastered offers an expansive open-world RPG experience that may take up to 80 hours to fully explore, players can expect to spend 30 to 60 hours engaging with Expedition 33’s intricate narratives.
Both titles will be available on Xbox Game Pass, presenting gamers with an economical path to enjoy these offerings. It remains to be seen how much gaming time players will dedicate to navigating these diverse RPG worlds.