Bethesda’s Oblivion Remake Expected to Drop Soon, Says Insider

REDMOND, Wash. — Bethesda’s highly anticipated remake of the classic RPG, Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, is rumored to be announced and released simultaneously soon, according to Giant Bomb journalist Jeff Grubb. In a recent stream, Grubb claimed the title could be shadow dropped at any moment this month, a phrase that indicates a surprise release that follows an immediate announcement.

Grubb’s statement follows months of speculation and reports from various outlets, and adds fuel to the fire regarding fans’ excitement surrounding the remake since its initial announcement was hinted in 2023. The project is reportedly developed by Virtuos, a studio known for its work on titles such as the upcoming Metal Gear Solid 3 remake and established franchises including Call of Duty and Tomb Raider.

According to sources, the remake of Oblivion has been fully revamped using Unreal Engine 5 and features significant enhancements to six core gameplay systems: stamina, sneaking, blocking, archery, hit reaction, and the HUD. Improvements inspired by modern gaming design elements, including those found in Souls-like games, are included in the new blocking system.

The alterations to the stamina system have made the game more user-friendly, with changes designed to minimize frustration when players’ stamina is depleted. The HUD has been redesigned to be both user-friendly and visually appealing to younger audiences.

“Hit reactions have been improved to offer more responsive feedback to damage taken by players and NPCs,” an insider explained. “Archery mechanics have also been modernized, enhancing playability from both first-person and third-person perspectives.”

Speculation arose after the game’s presence at the recent Switch 2 Direct, which led some to believe it had been shifted to next-gen platforms. However, concrete details regarding platforms for the upcoming release remain unconfirmed. When Oblivion was first launched in 2006, it was an Xbox exclusive on consoles before later releasing on PlayStation 3 in 2007.

Given Bethesda’s previous history of shadow dropping titles, including the popular Hi-Fi Rush, gamers are eagerly awaiting an official announcement. Though Grubb suggests an imminent release, economic trends indicated a potential formal announcement could align with other game release schedules, including the popular The Elder Scrolls Online, which is currently hosting a month-long celebration ending April 22.

While there is no clarity on specifics relating to the target platform for Oblivion’s remake, the landscape of gaming within both Microsoft and Bethesda remains dynamic. Players continue anticipating that this remake could fill the gap before The Elder Scrolls VI is finalized for launch.