Rumors are swirling that Bethesda is poised to announce a remake of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion in the coming weeks, with a release potentially following shortly thereafter. Gaming insider NatetheHate, who accurately predicted the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement date, tweeted that the Oblivion remake reveal is expected sometime this month or next. This timeline aligns with information corroborated by VGC. While the release date remains slightly less certain, estimates range from as early as April to before June.

In January, Mp1st reported on seemingly leaked details of the Oblivion remake, allegedly originating from a former employee at Virtuos, a video game support studio. Microsoft declined to comment on the report when contacted by IGN.

According to Mp1st, Virtuos’s remake utilizes Unreal Engine 5, hinting at a substantial overhaul rather than a simple remaster. Reported gameplay changes include adjustments to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, hit reactions, and the HUD. The Blocking system, reportedly inspired by action and Soulslike games, aims to address criticisms of its original “boring” and “frustrating” mechanics. Sneak icons are said to be more prominent, damage calculations have been refined, and the HUD has been redesigned for improved clarity. Hit reactions have been added for better feedback, and Archery has supposedly been modernized for both first-person and third-person perspectives.

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Initial whispers of an Oblivion remaster surfaced in 2023 when documents from the FTC vs. Microsoft trial revealed a list of unannounced Bethesda games slated for release. This list, compiled in July 2020, included an Oblivion Remaster alongside several other titles, some of which have since been delayed, altered, or canceled. Doom Year Zero is now Doom: The Dark Ages, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle saw a December 2024 release. The Elder Scrolls VI also failed to meet its projected timeline.

The fact that the Microsoft document referred to the project as a remaster is noteworthy. The current scale of the project suggests a shift towards a full remake. The upcoming announcement will finally clarify the details surrounding this long-anticipated title.

Regarding platforms, Microsoft's commitment to multiplatform releases suggests the Oblivion remake could launch on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. With the Nintendo Switch 2 potentially launching around June, its inclusion as a platform for the game is a distinct possibility.