A Welcome Oblivion Remake Rumor, But Bethesda Could Explore Further

In September 2023, a significant leak emerged from the FTC vs Microsoft legal battle, revealing a treasure trove of secret documents. Among these, details surfaced about several Bethesda projects that were in development prior to Microsoft’s acquisition. The leaked list included plans for a Fallout 3 remaster aiming for a 2024 release, a Doom prequel targeted for 2023, and an Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion remaster expected in 2022. While these developments have been in the works for several years, fans remain hopeful that an Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion remaster might still be on the horizon. Meanwhile, the Doom prequel, known as Doom: The Dark Ages, is anticipated to launch this May.

The rumor mill is further fueled by insiders suggesting that an Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion remaster or remake is indeed underway. Although some expected a reveal during Xbox’s Developer Direct last month, there’s still optimism for a spotlight at Xbox’s summer showcase. While such a remake could be a fantastic venture, Bethesda might want to delve even deeper into its creative reserves.

Now, remaking classics like The Elder Scrolls: Arena and Daggerfall could offer the series’ largest sandbox yet. Released originally in 1994 and 1996, these games are technically the most expansive in the franchise, with Arena offering a full-scale exploration of Tamriel and Daggerfall focusing on two provinces, while maintaining a massive array of cities and dungeons—around 15,000 of them. Utilizing procedural generation to craft these worlds back in the day, a modern take with the updated technology could address past issues like unfinished questlines or odd dungeon designs.

Shifting to The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind, a remake could be perfectly timed. Over the past decade, Morrowind has emerged as a fan-favorite due to its immersive qualities. The game invites players to listen keenly to NPCs and make their own way, relishing in the freedom to approach objectives their way. With current trends swinging back towards high immersion, a Morrowind remake could hit the right notes, especially as the genre sees a resurgence with titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle introducing new players to its depth. Though modders have done justice to modernizing Morrowind, a high-budget official remake could elevate it further, provided it preserves the cherished immersion and freedom of the original.

Overall, these potential projects are stoking excitement in the gaming community, leaving fans eager to see which of these beloved chapters might return to their screens with a fresh coat of paint.