With The Elder Scrolls 6 still MIA, Oblivion Remastered proves why remakes and remasters are the greatest tricks in the game developer handbook

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If you found yourself engrossed in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered from Tuesday evening to the early hours of Wednesday morning, you could have been one of the over 180,000 simultaneous players on Steam at that time.

As a gamer, I’m thrilled about the revamp Bethesda has rolled out for their 2006 RPG, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, thanks to Unreal Engine 5. It’s the remaster we’ve all been eagerly waiting for, fueled by countless whispers. Oblivion is renowned as one of the best RPGs from the Xbox 360 era, cherished for its (occasionally unintentional) quirks, and now it runs smoothly on contemporary hardware. Plus, visually, it can hold its ground against upcoming titles like Avowed. What’s not to be excited about?

However, even if I’m not acquainted with the Elder Scrolls series, what captivates me is the strategic timing behind Bethesda releasing Oblivion Remastered. This game is part of a series of thoughtfully chosen remakes and remasters that major studios have been producing lately, and I believe they serve a purpose beyond merely rekindling nostalgia.

Smoke and mirrors

Instead of being straightforward, Oblivion Remastered seems more like a strategic diversion. The Elder Scrolls 6 is now under development and is expected to be Bethesda’s next major release before Fallout 5. By allowing Virtuos studio to create this unexpected offering, they’ve essentially gained their in-house team additional time and a significant amount of goodwill.

Recently, I’ve noticed a recurring pattern that’s been quite intriguing to me as a horror enthusiast. It reminds me of the strategic move Capcom made with the release of the Resident Evil 4 Remake, sandwiched between Resident Evil Village and the yet-to-be-announced Resident Evil 9. I must admit, the high-definition suplex battles with the ganados were a thrill, and being able to run while aiming was a game-changer. However, this release served as a clever distraction, diverting attention from the lingering question about the series’ future that Capcom left hanging.

Two years have passed since then, and there’s still no sign of Resident Evil 9 on the horizon. I won’t sugarcoat it – I’m getting a bit restless over here, eagerly waiting for more updates on the next chapter in this terrifying saga.

While I primarily associate the resurgence of remakes, notably in horror games such as Silent Hill 2 and Dead Space, with spreading, it seems this trend is extending to other genres too. Let me caution you that Bethesda’s announcement of Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Remastered brings mixed feelings for fans. On one hand, it’s a much-anticipated release. On the other, it might hint that The Elder Scrolls 6 could be quite far off in the future.

Out with the new

Distraction and placation have become necessary evils if studios are to grow.

In the year 2025, it’s undeniable that nostalgia plays a significant role in sales. Given that creating new, original games now takes more time than it did two decades ago, it’s logical for big studios to capitalize on their past successes (and increase profits) by releasing remakes and remastered versions of their classic titles.

As Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is set to release in August, there are speculations that Konami might be exploring possibilities for Metal Gear Solid 6 in a time after Hideo Kojima. Meanwhile, we’re all eagerly anticipating updates on Fallout 5, but once more, rumors about a Fallout 3 remake resurface, with the recent confirmation of The Elder Scrolls V: Oblivion remake adding fuel to the fire. It’s challenging to bring reboots to market, even for highly anticipated games like the upcoming Fable game, which has been postponed to 2026.

Generally speaking, remakes or remasters such as Oblivion might come across as compensation rather than the main event. I wouldn’t criticize them from a business perspective, as they help studios reach their financial goals, allowing them to keep operating and eventually create future installments in an industry where job cuts are common.

With Patch 2.2, developed by Virtuos (like Oblivion Remastered), CD Projekt Red’s finances have likely been bolstered and this has given their team the opportunity to focus on Project Orion and Witcher 4. Meanwhile, it can be seen as a gesture of goodwill towards players who endured lengthy, expensive development cycles, strengthening the connection between gamers and the beloved game, and encouraging them to look forward to more content in the future. This scenario may resonate with Elder Scrolls fans.

Studio growth often requires distractions and appeasement, though it’s hard not to feel stung when considering Resident Evil 9 or potential delays for Elder Scrolls 6. To all medieval RPG enthusiasts, I fervently pray that the Elder Scrolls 6 doesn’t succumb to such delays as Capcom did with their projects. However, with Oblivion Remastered and a Fallout 3 remake on the horizon, fans will surely have enough to keep them occupied before they find themselves watching for progress like paint drying.

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2025-04-24 18:13