Rumors of an Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion remake, slated for a 2025 release, have surfaced online, fueled by a purported leak of development details.

Gaming news outlet Mp1st reported that a former employee of Virtuos, a video game support studio, inadvertently disclosed information about the unannounced project. Microsoft declined to comment when approached by IGN.

According to Mp1st's report, Virtuos utilized Unreal Engine 5 to rebuild Bethesda's acclaimed open-world RPG, suggesting a substantial overhaul rather than a simple remaster. The leak allegedly detailed gameplay modifications, including adjustments to Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reactions, and the heads-up display (HUD).

Mp1st claims the Blocking mechanic was redesigned with action and Soulslike games in mind, addressing criticisms of the original system's perceived "boring" and "frustrating" nature. Sneak icons are reportedly enhanced for better visibility, damage calculations have been revised, and the Stamina-depletion knockdown effect is now supposedly harder to trigger. A redesigned HUD aims for improved clarity, while added hit reactions enhance combat feedback. Archery mechanics have allegedly been modernized for both first and third-person perspectives.

Hints of an Oblivion remaster emerged in 2023 during the FTC vs. Microsoft trial concerning the Activision Blizzard acquisition. Documents revealed several unannounced Bethesda titles, including an Oblivion remaster, planned for release in subsequent years. This list, compiled in July 2020, predated Microsoft's March 2021 acquisition of ZeniMax Media, Bethesda's parent company. The initial list included:

Fiscal Year 2022:

• Oblivion Remaster
• Indiana Jones game

Fiscal Year 2023:

• Doom Year Zero and DLC
• Project Kestrel
• Project Platinum

Fiscal Year 2024:

• The Elder Scrolls VI
• Project Kestrel: Expansion
• Licensed IP Game
• Fallout 3 Remaster
• Ghostwire: Tokyo Sequel
• Dishonored 3
• DOOM Year Zero DLC

Many of these titles experienced delays or cancellation. Doom Year Zero is now Doom: The Dark Ages, launching this year. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle launched in December 2024. The Elder Scrolls VI significantly missed its projected 2024 release.

The Oblivion project's status remains uncertain. While initially listed as a remaster, the scope might have expanded into a full remake. Bethesda's official announcement will clarify the situation.

Platform availability is also speculative. Given Microsoft's current multiplatform strategy and the anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2, Oblivion could launch on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and potentially the Switch 2.

Leaker NateTheHate, who recently predicted the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal date, claims the Oblivion remake will launch this June, potentially coinciding with the Switch 2's release window.

Microsoft's upcoming Xbox Developer Direct next week will feature id Software's presentation on Doom: The Dark Ages. While Microsoft has teased a new game from an undisclosed developer, it's unlikely to be Oblivion. Windows Central's Jez Corden hinted that the mystery title is a new installment in a long-standing Japanese IP.