The Elder Scrolls official X account announced a reveal scheduled for April 22 at 11:00 AM EST, accompanied by an image featuring the Roman numeral “IV” set against a fiery backdrop. The implication is clear—this will be the reveal of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, the iconic 2006 RPG that redefined open-world gaming. The announcement confirms months of speculation and leaks, signaling that Bethesda is ready to unveil the long-anticipated reimagining for modern platforms.
The Industry’s Worst Kept Secret
This development follows our previous reports, where we detailed how leaked images from the website of developer Virtuos Games set the gaming community abuzz. The leaks included promotional artwork of a knight emerging from fiery gates—a visual echoed in the recent announcement image—alongside graphical comparisons showcasing the updated visuals of the classic RPG. Those leaks pointed to a full remake built in Unreal Engine 5, developed in collaboration with Bethesda and Virtuos Games, a studio known for its work on high-profile remakes like Metal Gear Solid 3.
The rumors of an Oblivion remaster have been circulating since 2023, when documents from the FTC versus Microsoft trial over the Activision Blizzard acquisition revealed Bethesda’s plans for unannounced projects, including this remake. As we noted in our earlier report, industry insiders like Jeff Grubb and outlets like VGC further fueled speculation, leaking that Bethesda might shadow-drop the game in April with a minimal gap between reveal and release. The April 22 reveal, just one day after the announcement, aligns with this strategy, hinting at a potential immediate or near-immediate launch—a tactic Bethesda has used in the past.
What We Know So Far
Adding to the anticipation, Lord Cognito shared on Defining Duke Podcast that the remaster would include all DLC at launch, such as the fan-favorite expansions Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles. Our earlier Lords of Gaming article also highlighted that the remaster is expected to feature mechanical overhauls, including an improved blocking system, revamped archery, and a modified stamina system, and is slated to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S (including Game Pass), and PC.
The leaked comparison screenshots sparked debate among fans, with some questioning the shift from Oblivion’s vibrant, lush forests to a more modern, muted aesthetic. Tomorrow’s reveal will likely put those debates to rest—or ignite them further.
Into Oblivion
As we await the official unveiling, one thing is certain: Bethesda is tapping into a deep well of nostalgia while pushing Oblivion into the future with Unreal Engine 5. Whether this remaster lives up to the lofty expectations set by its predecessor—and the months of leaks and rumors—remains to be seen. But for now, fans of Tamriel can rejoice: the gates of Oblivion are reopening, and we’ll be there to step through them over a decade later.
