Overview of the Upcoming Oblivion Remake
- The anticipated remake of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is set for a potential release in April 2025.
- Industry expert Jeff Grubb indicates the game may be launched without prior announcement, known as a shadow drop.
- This new iteration of Oblivion is speculated to blend elements of both a remake and a remaster.
Exciting news surrounds the anticipated remake of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, with reports suggesting a release timeframe in April 2025. This information comes from reputable industry insider Jeff Grubb, who speculates that the remake will diverge from longstanding franchise traditions.
The first whispers of a revamped Oblivion spread online in September 2023, particularly following an accidental leak during a Federal Trade Commission investigation into Microsoft’s acquisition dealings involving Activision Blizzard. This leak included a “ZeniMax Management Forecast” presentation from July 2020, which hinted at a remaster for the title. Earlier speculations had suggested that the project may actually be a remake, allegedly being developed by Virtuos, a notable player in third-party game development.
A Break from Tradition in the Elder Scrolls Series
Watch the teaser hereWatch the teaser here
During a recent episode of Giant Bomb’s “The Power Block”livestream, Grubb revealed that the Oblivion remake could make its debut as soon as “any day now.”He expressed greater confidence regarding the planned method of release, suggesting that it may be executed as a shadow drop—an unusual strategy for this franchise. If true, this would signify a departure from the standard pre-release marketing that has characterized the series since the unveiling of TES: Arena in 1993.
Historically, even smaller titles within the Elder Scrolls franchise, such as TES: Blades and TES: Legends, have received formal announcements prior to their release. The reason for this unprecedented shift in strategy for the Oblivion remake remains unclear. Microsoft might believe that a reimagining of a beloved game from the mid-2000s doesn’t require extensive marketing efforts. This approach has previously succeeded for them, as seen with smaller releases like Hi-Fi Rush.
It has been reported that the new version of Oblivion will incorporate aspects of both a remake and a remaster. The development team at Virtuos is expected to harness Unreal Engine 5 technologies for graphics while still incorporating the Gamebryo engine for core logical functions. Anticipated changes include updates to fundamental gameplay mechanics, such as blocking, stealth, and stamina. The remake is likely to launch as a day-one release for PC and Xbox Series X/S. There is also potential for it to become available on additional platforms such as the PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2, aligning with Microsoft’s trend towards broader multi-platform releases.