Skyblivion — the upcoming fan remake of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion made by the TESRenewal volunteer modding group — has simply dropped its first replace since the launch of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered in April, confirming the fan-made mission will nonetheless launch later this yr.
Skyblivion makes use of Bethesda’s Creation Engine to recreate Oblivion in the recreation’s sequel, Skyrim. The mission has technically been in the works for over a decade, starting as a easy direct port and later increasing to a full remake with a quantity of improved options and even new content material. IGN even interviewed one of the builders behind it again in 2021.
Bethesda and the Skyblivion group have reportedly been on “very good terms,” however as rumors of an official Oblivion remaster grew, some followers questioned if Bethesda wasn’t attempting to move off Skyblivion with its personal model on account of the suspiciously shut launch timing. The Skyblivion group ended up issuing a statement addressing these issues, confirming Bethesda has “at all times been supportive of neighborhood tasks like ours” and that “there is no such thing as a want for comparisons or a way of competitors” between the two video games.” Actually, Bethesda reached out and gifted free recreation keys for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered to the group behind the well-liked mod.
Now we’re three months publish Remastered’s launch, the Skyblivion group has dropped a well timed replace on how developer is progressing, maybe addressing one of the mostly requested questions: “What’s the level of Sky Oblivion if the official remaster is already launched?”
“Effectively, the reply is easy. Sky Oblivion is a fullscale remake that reimagines Oblivion from the floor up, bringing it consistent with trendy RPG requirements,” the group defined in an all-new video. “Whereas the official remaster impressively upgrades textures and belongings, Skyblivion introduces completely newly designed areas, dungeons, cities, gameplay enhancements, and rather more.
“Each fort, dwelling, cave, and panorama has been thoughtfully redesigned. And we have infused this kind of artistic element to breathe new life right into a beloved basic, one which’s practically twenty years outdated. Whereas we aren’t able to offer an actual launch date simply but, we stay assured we’ll meet our purpose to launch this yr. We hope that this collection will present you the way far one of the most formidable modding tasks of our era has come and the place we’re headed.”
The 15-minute video is a wall-to-wall deal with, however maybe most enjoyable, as identified by PC Gamer, is the reveal of a brand new dungeon primarily based on the deliberate eighth metropolis, Sutch, which was lower from the authentic recreation. We knew it existed on account of journal entries and older variations of Oblivion’s credit, however it’s taken till Skyblivion to seen the complete scrapped metropolis reconstructed for us. You may as well count on to see a reimagined model of costal city Anvil, too.
“Oblivion remade in the Skyrim engine. That is the purpose we got down to obtain, and after 10 years of onerous work, we’re nearly able to share it with everybody,” the group added. “With our deliberate 2025 launch window approaching, we’re displaying off the Gold Coast, the Metropolis of Anvil, a couple of Oblivion realms and distinctive worlds, plus participant customization and rather more!
If you already know your method round Bethesda’s Creation Engine and suppose you possibly can assist, the mission is still looking for volunteers.
In IGN’s Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered overview, we awarded it 8/10, writing: “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is a incredible modernization of an iconic open-world RPG, even when it maintains some of the jank and tough edges of the authentic.”
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, in addition to a critic, columnist, and guide with 15+ years expertise working with some of the world’s largest gaming websites and publications. She’s additionally a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually Excessive Chaos. Discover her at BlueSky.