Bethesda Game Studios is clarifying its decision to label the newly released The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered as a remaster rather than a full remake.
In a recent X/Twitter post, the studio behind the beloved fantasy RPG series explained why the project is named Oblivion Remastered and not Oblivion Remake. The detailed statement outlines Bethesda's own definition of a remaster and why they chose this direction. While thanking players who are discovering or returning to Oblivion, the studio made it clear that they "never intended to remake it."
“We never wanted to remake it — our goal was to remaster it — preserving the original experience you remember, but viewed through the lens of modern technology,” Bethesda elaborated.
This explanation comes as fans are getting their first official look at — and hands-on experience with — Oblivion Remastered. The game is now available, delivering a wide range of visual enhancements alongside some key gameplay refinements. Notable improvements include the addition of a sprint mechanic and a revamped leveling system, described as a hybrid of the original Oblivion’s approach and the system seen in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim.
Whether it's a redesigned sewer grate or a significant new feature, the sheer volume of adjustments has many players feeling that the remaster feels more like a remake. While the past decade has seen many video game remasters offering only minimal visual touch-ups, Bethesda is still cautious about labeling its Oblivion re-release, which began development in 2021, as a full remake.
“We examined every component and thoughtfully enhanced it,” Bethesda added. “Above all, our priority was to preserve the soul of the game. It remains a title from a past era and should feel that way.
“We know our dedicated fans will be excited to return to Oblivion and the world of Cyrodiil. At the same time, there’s a whole new generation who’ve never explored it. We are deeply grateful for the incredible support you've shown us and our games over the years. Our vision for this remaster is that everyone — whether a returning adventurer or a newcomer — feels the same sense of wonder stepping out of the Imperial sewer for the first time.”
From all of us at Bethesda Game Studios... pic.twitter.com/AKlUXrmYW5
— Bethesda Game Studios (@BethesdaStudios) April 22, 2025
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, and is also playable through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. For a complete overview of everything the remaster includes, check out our detailed guide featuring an Interactive Map, Walkthroughs for the Main Quest and all Guild Quests, tips for Creating the Perfect Character, essential First Steps, and much more.
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