Modder remaking Oblivion in Skyrim says the 13-year project “has already paid off tenfold,” plans for “bug fixes and the DLC” are set, and Oblivion Remastered “changes nothing”

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered has arrived, acting as the remarkable official upgrade of Bethesda Game Studios‘ cherished 2006 RPG – but how does this unexpected debut impact fan-created endeavors such as Skyblivion?

The Elder Scrolls Renewal Project has significantly progressed since its initial adaptation of Morrowind within Oblivion’s engine, cleverly named Morroblivion, first launched in 2010. Now, both Skyblivion and Skywind represent the ongoing accomplishments of modders – two ambitious initiatives aiming to authentically revive Bethesda’s pre-Skyrim Elder Scrolls classics using the more contemporary Creation Engine from the fifth installment.

Skyblivion and Skywind have been in development for over a decade now, but the dedicated efforts are expected to yield results as the previous has a target release set for 2025 – and no, the team behind The Elder Scrolls Renewal Project is not discouraged by Bethesda and Virtuos Games’ official remaster of Oblivion. Rebelzize, the chief developer of Skyblivion, acknowledges this openly in a recent discussion with GamesRadar+.

The mastermind behind Skyblivion mentions that the fans engaged with the project have shown a “very favorable response” overall: “We watched the reveal together on a Discord call, which was quite enjoyable.”

What impact does Oblivion Remastered have on the Skyblivion team’s roadmap for their work? As Rebelzize clarifies, it doesn’t have any real effect – in fact, The Elder Scrolls Renewal Project’s anticipated 2025 launch remains unchanged.

“For the moment, it modifies nothing about our plans,” he explains. “We still plan to release it this year.” There is sufficient room for both Skyblivion and Oblivion Remastered to exist harmoniously, especially in a realm that offers so little to Elder Scrolls enthusiasts (okay, maybe I’m projecting a bit, but I long for The Elder Scrolls 6). As Rebelzize summarizes, “I believe there is space for both a remake and a remaster” this year.

“We have invested significant time and effort into reconsidering many elements of the game, and I feel quite assured about what we have assembled,” shares the Skyblivion lead, continuing that, irrespective of what lies ahead, the journey has already proven immensely fulfilling. “For me, this undertaking has already yielded rewards tenfold. I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge from contributing to it and forged numerous friendships, some of which are very dear to me. The impending release is merely an additional reward.”

Yet, the outlook does seem quite promising as well. When the eagerly awaited Skyblivion launch finally arrives for the Elder Scrolls community, Rebelzize states that there will be more efforts from the team: “We will continue addressing bugs and developing the DLC post-release.”

Just the thought of experiencing Knights of the Nine and The Shivering Isles content anew, this time using the same engine as Fallout 4 and Skyrim, makes my heart thrill.

“Aside from that,” concludes Rebelzize, “[only] time will reveal what happens next.” Could there be a new endeavor involving Oblivion Remastered in the future? Who knows – but based on the sentiments of The Elder Scrolls Renewal Project lead, anything seems feasible. It’s not particularly shocking to learn that the team remains mostly uninfluenced, aside from sharing in the fans’ enthusiasm, by Bethesda’s official remaster as well.

Recently, the creators behind the anticipated fan project stated that “both projects can coexist” and “players are the genuine beneficiaries” with both Oblivion Remastered and Skyblivion launching in the same year. Rebelzize himself previously indicated that the latter project “was always a labor of love and remains so until completion,” explaining how the existence of the former “doesn’t affect me in any way” – just as he expressed in our interview.

The developers of The Elder Scrolls Renewal Project indeed have a valid point – players are undeniably the ultimate winners. As a devoted follower of the RPG series’ legendary fourth edition, I am excited to replay it after Oblivion Remastered, but that doesn’t diminish my anticipation for Skyblivion. It appears that the project team is also enjoying the official remaster, as Bethesda provided each team member with a key for the new RPG.

Oblivion Remastered is more than just a remaster and “almost necessitates its own term,” asserts an ex-Bethesda developer behind the original 2006 RPG: “The closest term would be Oblivion 2.0”

Having spent years immersed in various enchanting realms, Anna pursued English Literature followed by Medieval History at the University of Edinburgh, specializing in narrative design and video game journalism as an author. Since completing her postgraduate studies, she has contributed to multiple outlets, including Dexerto, Fanbyte, GameSpot, IGN, PCGamesN, and more. When she’s not hurriedly piecing together words into logical thoughts, she’s likely daydreaming about becoming a fairy druid and befriending every creature, or she’s dedicating hours to explore the Underdark in Baldur’s Gate 3. If you see her away from her computer, you’ll always find Anna with a fantasy novel, a handheld gaming device, and a couple of Tamagotchis nearby.