Bethesda returned to its 2006 RPG with Oblivion Remastered after deciding “what to modernize and what not to modernize,” and it just “makes sense”

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As a big fan, I – and a lot of other players – have always gone back to Oblivion every now and then, though maybe not as often as we revisit Skyrim. But with the Oblivion Remastered release, it’s got me thinking about why we keep coming back for more! Apparently, according to a director at Bethesda, it’s because the game actually feels different each time you play it. It’s like it subtly changes, making every playthrough feel fresh.

GamesRadar+ spoke with Tom Mustaine, studio director at Bethesda Game Studios, at The Golden Joystick Awards 2025 to find out why The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion remains popular after all these years. Mustaine explained that the game’s replayability comes from the fact that each playthrough feels unique. Even though he knows the game inside and out, he always discovers something new, whether it’s exploring a different path or having a completely different experience.

He explained that the game’s enduring quality is a testament to its strong foundation. Revisiting it through the remaster felt like discovering a treasure chest – a reminder of the incredible features they created 20 years ago, built to the highest standards of the time.

Bethesda saw updating the game almost twenty years later as a chance to improve things while still keeping its original charm. They deliberately chose what to update and what to leave as it was, because things like the funny, unexpected glitches – like villagers suddenly starting fights – are part of what made the game so special.

Mustaine said they had some great talks, but it was a difficult decision. The team debated whether or not to move forward, ultimately deciding it was the right thing to do as long as they respected the game’s history and didn’t ruin the experience.

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2025-11-23 16:09