Oblivion Remastered Hits Steam Big, Set for Further Growth

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered made a massive splash upon its surprise release on Steam on April 22, reaching a peak concurrent player count of over 180,000 on its launch day. This unexpected launch propelled the game to the top of Steam's global top-selling list, surpassing high-profile titles like Counter-Strike 2, Schedule I, and Overwatch 2, which had just received a significant update.

On the same day, Oblivion Remastered secured its position as the fourth most-played game on Steam, trailing only behind Counter-Strike 2, PUBG, and Dota 2. It also claimed the title of the most-played single-player RPG on the platform, outperforming the popular Baldur’s Gate 3. The game has earned a 'very positive' user review rating, indicating strong approval from the community.

While Steam statistics provide a glimpse into the game's popularity, they don't capture the full picture. As a Microsoft-owned title (Microsoft acquired Bethesda's parent company, ZeniMax Media), Oblivion Remastered was immediately available to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. This likely boosted its player base significantly. Additionally, its release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S suggests that the true peak concurrent player count on launch day extends well beyond the 180,000 reported on Steam.

Although Bethesda has not yet released total player or sales figures, the game's success is evident, and anticipation is high as it enters its first weekend on the market.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots

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Developed by the remake specialists at Virtuos using Unreal Engine 5, Oblivion Remastered boasts numerous visual and feature enhancements. It delivers gameplay at a stunning 4K resolution and 60 frames per second, but the improvements go beyond mere graphics. Updates span the leveling systems, character creation, combat animations, and in-game menus. New dialogue, an enhanced third-person view, and advanced lip sync technology have also been added. These changes have resonated well with fans, with some even arguing that the game could be considered a remake. However, Bethesda clarifies its decision to label it a remaster.

Originally launched in 2006 as a sequel to the beloved Morrowind, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion first appeared on PC and Xbox 360, with a PlayStation 3 version following in 2007. Set in the fictional province of Cyrodiil, the game follows the player's journey to thwart a fanatical cult intent on opening portals to the demonic realm of Oblivion.

For those diving into the remastered version, a comprehensive guide is available, featuring an interactive map, detailed walkthroughs for the main questline and guild quests, character-building tips, and a list of essential early-game activities.