"Oblivion Remake Details Leak Online"

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remake, rumored to be in development and slated for a 2025 release, has sparked interest following an alleged leak of detailed information online. Mp1st reported that these details surfaced due to a former employee at Virtuos, a video game support studio, inadvertently revealing them. Microsoft chose not to comment on the matter when approached by IGN.

According to Mp1st, Virtuos has undertaken a comprehensive remake of Bethesda's beloved open-world RPG, utilizing Unreal Engine 5. This suggests a significant overhaul rather than a mere remaster. The leak also hinted at various gameplay enhancements, including modifications to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reactions, and the heads-up display (HUD).

Mp1st's report detailed specific changes to the gameplay mechanics. The Blocking system was reportedly revamped to align with action games and Soulslikes, addressing the original's "boring" and "frustrating" mechanics. Sneak mechanics now feature highlighted icons and a revamped damage calculation system. The effect of depleting Stamina, which leads to a knockdown, is said to be harder to achieve. The HUD has been redesigned for improved clarity, hit reactions have been added for better feedback, and Archery has been modernized for both first and third-person perspectives.

Rumors of an Oblivion remaster first surfaced in 2023, following the release of documents during the FTC versus Microsoft trial regarding the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. These documents, compiled in July 2020 before Microsoft's purchase of ZeniMax Media in March 2021, listed several unannounced Bethesda projects, including an "Oblivion Remaster" planned for the financial year 2022. Other projects mentioned included an Indiana Jones game, Doom Year Zero with DLC, Project Kestrel, Project Platinum, The Elder Scrolls 6, a Fallout 3 Remaster, a Ghostwire: Tokyo sequel, Dishonored 3, and additional DLC for Doom Year Zero.

Several of these projects faced delays or cancellations. Doom Year Zero evolved into Doom: The Dark Ages, set to launch this year, while Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was delayed until December 2024. The Elder Scrolls 6 did not meet its projected release within the financial year 2024.

The focus now is on the Oblivion project, which was initially referred to as a remaster in the Microsoft documents. It seems the project's scope may have expanded into a full remake, a development we might see confirmed once Bethesda officially unveils the project.

Regarding platform availability, Microsoft's commitment to multiplatform releases, combined with the anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2, suggests that the Oblivion remake might be available on more platforms than just PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. Leaker NateTheHate has suggested a June 2025 release for the Oblivion remake, aligning with potential launch timing for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Next week's Xbox Developer Direct will feature more information on Doom: The Dark Ages from id Software, a ZeniMax-owned studio. Microsoft has also teased the reveal of a new game from a mystery developer, described by Windows Central’s Jez Corden as a new entry in a legendary Japanese IP with a long history, expected to excite many fans. However, it does not appear that the Oblivion remake will be part of this announcement.