Oblivion Remastered: Nine Million Players Can't Be Wrong (Or Can They?)
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Bethesda's *Oblivion Remastered* has clocked up a hefty nine million players, prompting much rejoicing (and a little skepticism) about the enduring appeal of this classic RPG. Game Pass likely boosted those numbers, but still, that's a lot of folks wandering around Cyrodiil!
Right then, it seems like Bethesda's dusting off of *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* has proven rather popular. According to the suits, a stonking nine million players have wandered the (slightly) less blocky plains of Cyrodiil in *Oblivion Remastered*. Blimey.
Now, before we all start chucking septims in the air and singing tavern songs, let's have a wee think about this. *Oblivion Remastered* dropped back in April, promising a modern lick of paint on the game we all (mostly) remember fondly. And, crucially, it landed on Game Pass. So, while nine million players is a bloody impressive number, it's worth remembering that a fair chunk of those might have just been casually sampling the delights of Kvatch through their existing subscription. Still, nine million is nine million, innit?
Bethesda's reasoning for a remaster rather than a full-blown remake was, and I quote, wanting "the original game...there as you remember playing it, but seen through today's technology." Which is marketing speak for "we didn't want to spend all our money on it." But, fair play, they seem to have struck a chord with the fans.
Bethesda themselves took to social media, thanking players who "emerged as a hero of Kvatch, mastered Arch-Mage, rose to Grand Champion, banished the Blackwood Company, gallivanted as the Gray Fox, and listened to the Night." A right laundry list of achievements, that. They even chucked in a cartoon of the adoring fan with the number nine styled into his quiff. Honestly, bless 'em.
*Oblivion Remastered* was apparently lovingly crafted by Virtuos' Paris studio in collaboration with Bethesda. And while Bethesda aren't officially supporting modding, the community haven't let that stop them. Over 100 mods have popped up. Which, let's be honest, is what keeps most Elder Scrolls games alive for so long, isn't it? Who needs official support when you've got a horde of dedicated fans ready to bend the game to their will?
So, what does all this mean? Well, it means that there's still a lot of love out there for *Oblivion*. Whether it's nostalgia, genuine appreciation for the game, or just the allure of a cheap Game Pass playthrough, nine million people have given it a whirl. And that's not something to sniff at, is it? Makes you wonder what other classics might get the remaster treatment. Morrowind, anyone? Now *that* would be something. (Original story via Eurogamer)
Tags: Elder Scrolls, Oblivion, Remaster, Bethesda, RPG
Original article: Eurogamer