Tag: Bethesda

  • Bethesda’s Oblivion Remastered Hits 4 Million Players Fast

    Bethesda’s Oblivion Remastered Hits 4 Million Players Fast

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered attracted over 4 million players within five days of its launch on April 21, 2023.
    2. Bethesda expressed gratitude to fans for their support and engagement with the game.
    3. The launch was unexpected, with no prior notice or significant marketing, yet it quickly became popular, topping charts on platforms like Twitch.
    4. The remaster includes more than just visual upgrades, featuring native 4K support, improved animations, and better user experience enhancements.
    5. Oblivion Remastered has revitalized interest in the Elder Scrolls franchise, appealing to both new players and longtime fans.


    Bethesda Game Studios recently revealed that The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has attracted over 4 million players within just five days after its launch. Released on April 21, the game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (through Steam and Microsoft Store), as well as Xbox Game Pass, and it has quickly become extremely popular.

    Gratitude from Bethesda

    In a social media post, Bethesda expressed thanks to the fans, stating, “We are so grateful to the over 4 million of you that have already ventured into Cyrodiil.”

    An Unexpected Launch

    The release came after weeks of rumors and was launched without any prior notice or significant marketing effort. Regardless of this, the game rapidly gained popularity, topping charts on platforms like Twitch and becoming one of the most played games on various digital stores. As it stands now, Oblivion Remastered leads Steam’s ‘Trending Games’ chart with 104,710 concurrent players.

    More Than Just a Visual Upgrade

    The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered offers more than just a basic graphical enhancement. It features revamped graphics, a refreshed user interface, enhanced lighting, and newly recorded audio assets, making it feel almost like a remake. According to the official patch notes, the remaster boasts native 4K support, upgraded animations, performance improvements for the latest consoles, and allows gameplay at over 60 FPS. Additionally, there were fixes for bugs and enhancements for user experience, including improved inventory management and better accessibility options.

    A Timeless Franchise

    The Elder Scrolls is a legendary and thriving franchise that continues to maintain a large following. With the release of Oblivion Remastered, Bethesda has rekindled interest in its classic RPG from 2006, introducing it to a new generation while keeping its original depth and appeal intact.

  • Shadowdrop Sparks Excitement: 180,000 Players Join New RPG Remaster

    Shadowdrop Sparks Excitement: 180,000 Players Join New RPG Remaster

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has been remastered using Unreal Engine 5, featuring modern enhancements like Ray Tracing and dynamic lighting.
    2. The gameplay improvements include more impactful combat, an adjusted leveling system, and the introduction of a sprint option.
    3. The remastered version has generated excitement and nostalgia among fans, highlighted by discussions on platforms like Reddit.
    4. Some players are encountering technical issues such as FPS drops and crashes, despite the game’s high price of $55.
    5. The remaster has achieved significant popularity, peaking at 182,289 players online and ranking first in trending sections on SteamDB.


    Originally launched in September 2007, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is often considered one of the best RPGs ever made. Almost twenty years later, gamers can once again explore the world of Cyrodiil and battle the fearsome Daedra. With a rebuild using Unreal Engine 5, the game now features modern enhancements like Ray Tracing, DLSS, and dynamic lighting, providing a breathtaking visual experience. The gameplay has also seen significant improvements – combat feels more weighty, the leveling system has been adjusted, and a sprint option has finally been introduced.

    Excitement in the Community

    The remastered version of Oblivion has sparked a surge of excitement on Reddit, especially in subreddits such as r/PS5. Fans are not just thrilled about the unexpected release and the impressive technical improvements, but they also feel a strong wave of nostalgia. Even with the updated visuals, the game retains much of its original allure, partly due to the return of the classic voice actors. However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Players with high-end setups are experiencing issues like drops in FPS, stuttering, and crashes. Additionally, the $55 cost has drawn some criticism.

    A Mixed Bag of Reactions

    Even with its high price and some technical challenges, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered stands out as a noteworthy return of the cherished RPG classic. The positive feedback on Reddit reflects its strong player interest – the game peaked at 182,289 players online shortly after its release. It also ranks first in both the “Trending Games” and “Popular Releases” sections on SteamDB. Whether Bethesda and Virtuos will be able to resolve the remaining technical problems is still uncertain.

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  • Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Coming to Nintendo Switch 2

    Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Coming to Nintendo Switch 2

    Key Takeaways

    1. Bethesda surprise-launched The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, leaving Nintendo players feeling excluded from the excitement.
    2. A leaker suggests that Bethesda may bring the remaster to the Nintendo Switch 2, which has improved specs for handling demanding games.
    3. Caution is advised regarding the leaker’s credibility, as their history is not perfect, but Bethesda’s past support for Nintendo consoles is promising.
    4. The Steam Deck is currently the best portable option for playing Oblivion Remastered, but performance is mixed, with framerates often dropping below 30 fps.
    5. Early performance insights for demanding games on Switch 2 show better stability compared to Steam Deck, raising hopes for Oblivion Remastered’s performance on the new console.


    There was a lot of buzz when Bethesda surprise-launched The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered across various platforms. Yet, many Nintendo players feel excluded from all the excitement. With the improved specs of the Switch 2, it’s possible that demanding games could run well on this console. A leaker known as eXtas1stv has hinted that Bethesda is looking to bring the remaster of this beloved action RPG to the handheld device.

    Caution is Key

    Gamers should be careful since eXtas1stv doesn’t have a perfect history. Nevertheless, it would be shocking if Bethesda chose not to develop for the Switch 2. After all, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was released on the original Switch within its first year. With not many launch titles for Nintendo, the company is relying on third-party Switch 2 games to help increase sales.

    Steam Deck Experience

    At this moment, the Steam Deck is the most favored way to enjoy The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered on the go. Currently, reviews about how well it performs on the Valve handheld are mixed. Even though the game is verified for Steam Deck, players often notice framerates dipping below 30 fps in open-world scenarios while in performance mode. This situation has led some Nintendo fans to question how the game will operate with the enhanced specs of the Switch 2.

    Performance Insights

    Looking at the footage from Cyberpunk 2077, it seems that demanding games on the Switch 2 can run quite well. In certain modes, players have reported achieving a stable 40 fps, especially with the DLSS upscaling option. These results appear to be a bit better compared to what many Steam Deck users are experiencing. However, the open-world title Star Wars Outlaws could need additional optimization before its release on September 4th.

    In the lead-up to the official announcement, leaks about The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered were constant. Most of the rumors turned out to be true, and now buyers of the Switch 2 are hopeful that eXtas1stv will keep up this pattern.

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  • Elder Scrolls Oblivion Remastered Livestream Reveal on April 22

    Elder Scrolls Oblivion Remastered Livestream Reveal on April 22

    Key Takeaways

    1. Bethesda will showcase The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered on April 22 at 11:00 ET/08:00 PT/16:00 BST via live stream.
    2. The game will require 120 GB of storage space and is expected to be priced around $40, with no $10 upgrade option available.
    3. The remaster is built using Unreal Engine 5, indicating significant enhancements.
    4. Speculation about future remasters includes potential titles like The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, Fallout 3, and Fallout: New Vegas, but no confirmations are available.
    5. The release date was likely delayed from April 21 due to numerous leaks.


    Following what felt like an endless stream of leaks, Bethesda has finally decided to speak up about The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. They will showcase the game tomorrow (April 22) at 11:00 ET/08:00 PT/16:00 BST through a live stream on Twitch and YouTube. It’s very likely that the release was delayed from its original April 21 date due to all the leaks.

    Game Size and Pricing

    Since the game’s size has already been uncovered by data miners, it seems that The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered will be available to play right away, or just a few days after it launches. However, if you’re someone with a slow internet connection, you might have to be patient, as it will require a hefty 120 GB of storage space. Regarding the pricing, $40 seems like a reasonable expectation because the game is being completely rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5. Unfortunately, there won’t be any $10 upgrades this time around.

    Future Remasters

    Now that this is out of the way, the rumor mill is likely to go into overdrive, pondering which game Bethesda will remaster next. An remaster of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind would be fantastic, but there’s no indication that it’s happening anytime soon. Fallout 3 could be a strong candidate, but again, it seems to be on the back burner. This leaves us hoping for the best, which is Fallout: New Vegas. However, that might take some time, too, since Obsidian is currently focused on The Outer Worlds 2.

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  • Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Requires Huge Storage Space

    Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Requires Huge Storage Space

    Key Takeaways

    1. The remaster of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has been confirmed through images on the developer’s website, but Bethesda has not provided any official comments or details yet.
    2. The game will require a substantial 121 GB of storage on devices, a significant increase from the original 5 GB needed in 2006.
    3. Xbox users may face challenges finding space on their consoles due to the large file size.
    4. Bethesda is expected to announce the game’s pricing soon, with a likely cost of around $40.
    5. There is a possibility that the remaster may also be available through an Xbox Game Pass subscription.


    The remaster of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has been one of the least secretive announcements in recent times, with images surfacing on the developer’s website. However, Bethesda has yet to comment on it, not even hinting at any details. Recently, a group of data miners known as XoXLeak disclosed the amount of storage that the game will occupy on your device, and it’s quite shocking.

    Disk Space Requirements

    Similar to many games utilizing Unreal Engine 5, it will demand a staggering 121 GB of space on your valuable SSD. For comparison, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion originally required just 5 GB, which was considered a substantial amount of storage when it debuted in 2006. This is going to be a hassle for Xbox users, as they will need to once again find ways to free up space on their consoles to enjoy Tamriel in all its Unreal Engine 5 splendor.

    Pricing and Release Expectations

    The final detail missing from the puzzle of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion remaster is its cost. Fortunately, we won’t have to wait long for this information, as Bethesda is expected to quietly announce the game today (April 21). A price point around $40 seems likely. Anything higher than that might be seen as excessive, but there’s a strong possibility that it could also be available through an Xbox Game Pass subscription.

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  • New Doom: The Dark Ages Trailer Released Ahead of May 15 Launch

    New Doom: The Dark Ages Trailer Released Ahead of May 15 Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release Dates: Doom: The Dark Ages will launch on PC and consoles on May 15, with an early access option on May 13 for an extra fee.

    2. Gameplay Insights: The second trailer reveals the main villain and a possible boss, with the Doom Slayer transitioning from being controlled by the Makyrs to aiding the Sentinels.

    3. Action Elements: The gameplay includes scenes of the Atlan mech defeating Titans and a dragon, showcasing a shift in the series with the “Stand and Fight” slogan.

    4. BFG Scene: The trailer features a unique moment where the BFG is launched from a crossbow, highlighting a new direction for the game.

    5. Soundtrack Details: While Mick Gordon is not involved, Finishing Move Inc. is working on the soundtrack, blending the original theme with Djent-dubstep influences.


    Doom: The Dark Ages is set to release on PC and consoles on May 15, or on May 13 if you’re okay with paying a bit more. The initial trailer for the game didn’t show much, leaving fans curious. However, we got more insights into the gameplay through sources like IGN, who were able to try out a demo. Now, Bethesda has quietly released a second trailer that gives us additional details.

    New Insights into Gameplay

    This new trailer for Doom: The Dark Ages introduces us to the game’s villain, along with what seems to be their dark master, whom we could face as a boss at the end of the game. The Doom Slayer appears to be initially under the control of the Makyrs, only to later become a one-man aid for the Sentinels, reminiscent of the classic “You can’t shoot a hole into the surface of Mars” moment.

    Action-Packed Scenes

    We also witness the Atlan mech effortlessly destroying Titans and battling a dragon. The trailer ends with an impressive scene of the BFG in action, but instead of a high-tech weapon, its Cell was launched from a rather shabby-looking crossbow. Doom: The Dark Ages is taking the series in a fresh direction with its “Stand and Fight” slogan, positioning it as a strong candidate for Game of the Year.

    Soundtrack Preview

    In addition, we get a glimpse of what the soundtrack for Doom: The Dark Ages will offer. Although it’s unfortunate that Mick Gordon isn’t involved, Finishing Move Inc. seems to be doing a commendable job of maintaining the original theme, infused with Djent-dubstep elements.

  • Oblivion Remaster Release Date: April 21, Xbox Support Confirms

    Oblivion Remaster Release Date: April 21, Xbox Support Confirms

    Key Takeaways

    1. An Xbox support bot hinted that the remaster of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is planned for release on April 21.
    2. This release date aligns with earlier leaks suggesting the game would come out before May, making it a widely discussed topic in the gaming community.
    3. Virtuos Games, the developer behind the remaster, has a history of internal leaks, including previous projects like the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake.
    4. Industry insider Jeff Grubb indicated that Bethesda may officially announce the remaster between April 21 and April 28, though no official confirmation has been made yet.
    5. A fan project to remake Oblivion using the Skyrim engine has been ongoing since 2012, with fans expressing support for the official remaster.


    Another day brings more news about a remaster of Oblivion. This time, the source is an Xbox support bot on X. A conversation with a user led the bot to say that the long-anticipated remaster of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is planned for launch on April 21.

    Timing of the Release

    This date fits well with earlier leaks that hinted the game would be released before May. It seems like the Oblivion remaster is becoming the worst-kept secret in the gaming world, with rumors and leaks starting back in 2023. The buzz began when a Reddit user, who claimed to be a former employee at Virtuos Games, revealed details about the project.

    Virtuos Games’ History

    Virtuos, a studio based in Singapore, has a past filled with internal leaks. In fact, one employee previously exposed their work on the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake through LinkedIn. Likewise, early images of the Oblivion remaster were found and circulated on Reddit after a user explored the developer’s website.

    Confirmation from Insiders

    Industry insider Jeff Grubb has also contributed to the conversation, stating that Bethesda plans to announce the remaster between April 21 and April 28. With each new leak, the release of the Oblivion remaster appears increasingly likely. However, it’s important to temper expectations—Microsoft and Bethesda have not yet officially announced the remaster or provided a specific release date.

    There’s a chance that Microsoft might shift the release date to maintain some element of surprise. Regardless, we should know more by next week.

    Support from Fans

    In the meantime, a group of enthusiastic fans has been working on an Oblivion remake using the Skyrim engine and have expressed their backing for the official remaster. This fan project began in 2012 and has been progressing slowly, with an anticipated release planned for this year.

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  • Fallout 3 Remaster Unlikely Soon, Despite TV Show Popularity

    Fallout 3 Remaster Unlikely Soon, Despite TV Show Popularity

    Key Takeaways

    1. The gaming industry is seeing a rise in remakes and remasters of classic titles, with Fallout 3 being a rumored project post-Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
    2. Insider NateTheHate suggests that a remaster of Fallout 3 is unlikely to happen soon, despite the success of the Fallout TV series.
    3. There are rumors of an upcoming remaster for Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, with leaked screenshots fueling anticipation.
    4. Fallout 3, launched in 2008, is significant for its 3D graphics and captivating story, maintaining a strong legacy among fans.
    5. Fans desire enhancements in a potential Fallout 3 remaster, including improved controls, user interface, and graphics, while waiting for Fallout 5’s release.


    Recently, the gaming world has seen a rise in remakes and remasters of beloved classic titles, becoming almost as common as brand-new releases. Following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023, rumors began to circulate about a potential remaster of Fallout 3. However, despite the popularity of the Fallout TV series, which has drawn in huge audiences, it seems that any plans to revisit the game are currently stalled. Insider NateTheHate, known for accurately predicting many developments in gaming, believes a Fallout 3 remaster is not likely to happen anytime soon.

    Speculation on Oblivion

    In the documents related to Microsoft’s acquisition, there were also mentions of a remaster for Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. An official announcement for this remaster seems to be just around the corner, especially since some screenshots have already leaked. Meanwhile, the Fallout 3 project remains uncertain, as noted by NateTheHate on X. When an eager gamer asked about its status, the insider remarked, “It’ll be a while before we see it.”

    Fallout 3’s Legacy

    Fallout 3 was launched in 2008, presenting an action RPG with a captivating story set in a post-apocalyptic version of Washington D.C. This installment marked several important achievements for the franchise, including being the first to feature 3D graphics. Even though Fallout 4 and Fallout 76 followed with positive reviews, the significance of Fallout 3 still resonates with its fans.

    Fans’ Desires for a Remaster

    Despite the nostalgia surrounding it, some gamers are eager to see popular modifications included in a possible Fallout 3 remaster. Hitting enemies accurately can be tough, particularly when using a controller. The user interface also poses challenges on modern screens without some fixes. Naturally, Bethesda would likely aim to enhance the game’s textures, shadows, and reflections as well.

    The anticipation for a Fallout 3 remaster is particularly aggravating, especially since Fallout 5 may still be years away. According to a recent leak from NateTheHate, Bethesda might be waiting until closer to the release of the fifth game to satisfy the loyal fans of Fallout 3. Until that time comes, fans can only hope that the second season of the Fallout TV series doesn’t face any more delays.

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  • Xbox Exclusives Top PlayStation Store Pre-Orders Thanks to Strategy

    Xbox Exclusives Top PlayStation Store Pre-Orders Thanks to Strategy

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft is focusing on cross-platform game publishing as Xbox Series X sales plateau, with more games moving to the PS5.
    2. Significant Xbox exclusives are launching on the PS5, contributing to high pre-order rankings on the PlayStation Store.
    3. Bethesda’s acquisition by Microsoft is leading to multi-platform releases, such as Doom: The Dark Ages, which will be available on both Xbox and PlayStation.
    4. Console exclusivity is declining in importance, highlighted by the competition between Microsoft and PlayStation for pre-order sales.
    5. Microsoft is likely to rely on digital subscriptions and game publishing for revenue, as its hardware situation remains challenging until new consoles are released.


    As the sales of the Xbox Series X have hit a plateau, Microsoft is shifting its attention towards cross-platform game publishing. With more games that were once exclusive to Xbox now making their way to the PS5, gamers on Sony’s platform are welcoming this change. Pure Xbox has reported that at least three Microsoft titles have made it into the top 12 pre-orders on the PlayStation Store in the U.S. A similar trend is observed in both European and Japanese markets.

    Timing and Popularity

    It’s worth noting that the timing plays a crucial role in the strong presence of Xbox games on the PlayStation Store. Several significant Xbox exclusives are expected to launch on the PS5 in the upcoming month. On the U.S. PlayStation Store, two versions of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are currently holding the first and second positions. Forza Horizon 5 is particularly noteworthy, as it’s not linked to Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda. MachineGames’ action-adventure game is set to release on April 17th, while Playground Games’ racer will hit the shelves on April 29th.

    Bethesda’s Impact

    Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda is also yielding results with Doom: The Dark Ages. This new installment in the beloved shooter series has managed to secure the 12th spot. Unlike other Bethesda titles, this new Doom game will be available simultaneously on both Xbox and PlayStation platforms.

    Despite these developments, gamers are still eagerly pre-ordering PlayStation exclusives at a fast pace. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Days Gone Remastered are competing with Microsoft games in the pre-order rankings. However, the significance of console exclusivity seems to be diminishing, at least until Nintendo announces its first-party titles for the Switch 2.

    Cross-Platform Dynamics

    While Sony is embracing cross-platform gaming, it has not extended this to Microsoft’s consoles. Meanwhile, Microsoft may look to benefit from PlayStation games being ported to PC. There are rumors about a Microsoft-backed Asus handheld device that operates on Windows OS. It is expected that Steam will be compatible with Project Kennan, but some insiders speculate that Sony might try to prevent PlayStation titles from appearing on any Xbox consoles.

    Until a new console is launched, the current situation for Xbox hardware remains challenging. The company will likely depend on digital subscriptions and game publishing for the majority of its gaming revenue moving forward.

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  • Indiana Jones Great Circle PS5 Launch Date Set for Mid-April

    Indiana Jones Great Circle PS5 Launch Date Set for Mid-April

    Key Takeaways

    1. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle releases on PlayStation 5 on April 17, with pre-orders available now.
    2. The game was previously a timed exclusive for Xbox and PC for over four months after its early December launch.
    3. The PS5 Pro version will feature enhancements like ray tracing and path tracing, requiring significant processing power.
    4. The game will be available in Standard and Premium editions, with the Premium edition offering extra content and early access.
    5. A Collector’s Bundle will be available, including the Premium edition items plus physical collectibles like a globe and a journal.


    An earlier rumor already hinted at when Indiana Jones and the Great Circle would be available on the PlayStation 5. Sony has officially announced that it will be playable on April 17, and you can pre-order it right now. This game is one of the brief timed exclusives for Xbox and PC, having been limited to those platforms for just over four months since its launch in early December.

    Enhanced Features for PS5 Pro

    Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will be optimized for the PlayStation 5 Pro at its release. The game puts a strong focus on ray tracing and path tracing, so it will require all the power it can muster. However, the aging Zen 2 and RDNA 3 APU on the PS5 Pro may have to depend on PSSR and other tricks to keep the frame rate nice and steady.

    Editions and Collector’s Bundle

    In terms of editions, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will be available in Standard and Premium versions. The Premium edition offers in-game cosmetics, a two-day early access, a digital art book, and immediate access to The Order of Giants Story DLC when it is released. There’s also a Collector’s Bundle, which includes everything mentioned earlier along with some tangible goodies like a globe and a journal.

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