The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Launches Big on Steam — and It’s Only Going to Get Bigger

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered had a monumental launch on Steam, achieving a peak concurrent player count of over 180,000 on its release day. Bethesda's surprise release on April 22 propelled the game to the top of Steam's global top-selling games list by revenue, surpassing popular titles such as Valve's Counter-Strike 2, the viral hit Schedule I, and Blizzard's Overwatch 2, which had just received a significant update.

Oblivion Remastered also ranked as the fourth most-played game on Steam that day, trailing only behind Counter-Strike 2, PUBG, and Dota 2. It stands as the most-played single-player RPG on Steam, ahead of the resurgent Baldur's Gate 3, and boasts a 'very positive' user review rating. While Steam stats provide a glimpse into the game's success, the full picture is more expansive. As a Microsoft-owned title (Microsoft acquired Bethesda's parent company, ZeniMax Media), Oblivion Remastered was immediately available to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, suggesting a significant number of players beyond Steam's figures.

The game's launch extended to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, adding to its reach, although neither Microsoft nor Sony disclose specific player numbers. Consequently, the true peak concurrent player count across all platforms on launch day likely exceeds the 180,000 recorded on Steam. Although Bethesda has not yet released total player or sales numbers, the game's popularity is expected to grow further as it enters its first weekend on sale.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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Developed by the remake specialists at Virtuos using Unreal Engine 5, Oblivion Remastered offers a plethora of visual and feature enhancements. It delivers 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, but the real value lies in the deeper changes to the game. From revamped leveling systems and character creation to updated combat animations and in-game menus, the game has been significantly improved. New dialogue, a refined third-person view, and advanced lip sync technology have been introduced, pleasing fans to the extent that some consider it more of a remake than a remaster. However, Bethesda has clarified its choice to label it as a remaster.

Originally launched in 2006, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion followed the beloved Morrowind on PC and Xbox 360, with a PlayStation 3 release in 2007. Set in the fictional province of Cyrodiil, the game follows the player's journey to thwart a fanatical cult's attempt to open portals to the demonic realm of Oblivion.

For those diving into the world of Oblivion Remastered, our comprehensive guide covers everything from an expansive Interactive Map to complete Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and all Guild Quests, tips on How to Build the Perfect Character, and Things to Do First, ensuring players have all the resources they need to fully enjoy this remastered classic.