The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, a beloved classic in the world of open-world RPGs, is reportedly being remade and slated for release in 2025. Details about this unannounced project surfaced after an alleged leak from a former employee at Virtuos, a video game support studio. Microsoft, when approached by IGN for a comment, remained silent on the matter.

According to the leak reported by Mp1st, Virtuos is utilizing Unreal Engine 5 to completely overhaul the game, suggesting a comprehensive remake rather than a simple remaster. This remake is said to include significant gameplay changes, touching on elements such as Stamina, Sneak, Blocking, Archery, Hit Reactions, and the heads-up display (HUD). The changes to Blocking are reportedly inspired by action games and Soulslikes, aiming to address the original system's perceived "boring" and "frustrating" nature. Sneak icons are now highlighted, damage calculations revamped, and the knock-down effect from depleted Stamina is harder to trigger. The HUD has been redesigned for clarity, hit reactions added for better feedback, and Archery modernized for both first and third-person views.

The idea of an Oblivion remaster first emerged in 2023 during the Federal Trade Commission versus Microsoft trial over the Activision Blizzard acquisition. Documents revealed a list of unannounced Bethesda projects planned for release, which included an "Oblivion Remaster" slated for financial year 2022. Other titles mentioned were an Indiana Jones game, Doom Year Zero, Project Kestrel, and more. However, many of these projects were either delayed or canceled, with Doom Year Zero rebranded as Doom: The Dark Ages and set for a 2024 release, and the Indiana Jones game launching in December 2024.

Interestingly, the Microsoft document referred to the project as a "remaster," which might suggest that the scope has since expanded into a full remake. As for the platforms, with Microsoft now embracing multiplatform releases and the anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the Oblivion remake could potentially be available on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and the new Nintendo console.

Leaker NateTheHate has suggested that the Oblivion remake might launch in June 2025, aligning with the rumored release window of the Nintendo Switch 2. Meanwhile, Microsoft's upcoming Xbox Developer Direct event is set to focus on Doom: The Dark Ages and tease a new game from a legendary Japanese IP, but it appears that the Oblivion remake won't be part of the showcase.