Bruce Nesmith, the original senior game designer for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, has expressed profound admiration for Bethesda’s newly released remaster, suggesting that the term “remaster” doesn’t fully capture the extent of the enhancements. In a recent interview, Nesmith remarked, “I’m not sure ‘remaster’ actually does it justice,” proposing that “Oblivion 2.0” might be a more fitting title for the updated game.
Nesmith, who also served as the design director for the Shivering Isles expansion and later contributed to Skyrim, initially anticipated a modest visual update. However, upon experiencing the remaster, he was struck by the comprehensive overhauls: “I was assuming this was going to be a texture update… But to completely redo the animations, the animation system, put in the Unreal Engine, change the leveling system, change the user interface… that’s a staggering amount of remastering.”
Developed by Virtuos and released on April 22, 2025, Oblivion Remastered is built on Unreal Engine 5, featuring overhauled graphics, new character models, dynamic lighting, and reworked gameplay systems. The update also includes revamped animations, a redesigned user interface, and modernized mechanics that blend elements from both Skyrim and the original Oblivion.
Despite these significant changes, Bethesda maintains that the project is a remaster rather than a remake. The studio emphasized its intent to preserve the essence of the original game while enhancing it with contemporary technology: “We never wanted to remake it – but remaster it – where the original game was there as you remember playing it, but seen through today’s technology”.
The remaster also reintroduces elements like the infamous horse armor DLC, now part of the $9.99 Deluxe Edition, acknowledging its place in gaming history.
Oblivion Remastered is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with a standard edition priced at $49.99. The Deluxe Edition, which includes additional content such as unique gear, a digital artbook, and the official soundtrack, is available for $59.99. The game is also accessible through Xbox Game Pass.
Nesmith’s endorsement underscores the remaster’s success in revitalizing a classic RPG, offering both nostalgic value for longtime fans and an accessible entry point for new players.
