Oblivion Remastered: A Surprising Sales Phenomenon in 2025, Despite Game Pass Launch
In a surprising turn of events, Oblivion Remastered has become a sales juggernaut in the US, defying expectations despite launching directly on Xbox Game Pass. This re-release of the beloved RPG, originally launched in 2006, has captured the hearts of gamers old and new, quickly climbing the charts and proving that nostalgia, combined with updated visuals and gameplay, can still resonate strongly with consumers.
According to Circana analyst Mat Piscatella, Oblivion Remastered secured the third-best-selling game spot in the US for 2025 so far, trailing only heavy hitters like Monster Hunter Wilds and Assassin's Creed Shadows in dollar sales. This is particularly remarkable considering its shadow-drop launch on April 22nd, with minimal pre-release marketing. The buzz generated by leaks and rumors arguably played a significant role in its initial success.
Bethesda recently announced that Oblivion Remastered had surpassed 4 million players within its first few days, underscoring its immediate impact. Even more impressively, this figure doesn't account for Game Pass subscribers, signifying substantial direct sales across various platforms, including PlayStation 5, where it dominated the most-downloaded PSN games chart for April in North America and Europe alongside other Microsoft-published titles.
The game's triumph is also notable considering the simultaneous release of other smaller titles. However, as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's publisher stated, its own turn-based RPG, also available on Game Pass, didn't seem to be negatively affected, even managing to sell over one million copies.
However, not all experiences have been universally positive. One perspective highlights the bittersweet feeling of returning to a familiar world. While praising the remaster’s faithfulness to the original, the writer expresses that this very fidelity is a barrier to truly loving it. The countless hours spent playing the original have created ingrained routines and memories, making it difficult to approach the remastered version with a fresh perspective. The desire for something new, a different starting point or added content, emerges as a longing for a recontextualized experience.
Despite this sentiment, Oblivion Remastered's success points to a potent blend of nostalgia and improved accessibility. The enhanced visuals, smoother gameplay, and availability on modern consoles have opened the door for both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike to experience the magic of Cyrodiil. Whether it's the thrill of revisiting cherished memories or the allure of discovering a classic RPG for the first time, Oblivion Remastered has clearly struck a chord with a wide audience.
Ultimately, Oblivion Remastered is a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted games. Its impressive sales figures highlight the power of nostalgia, the importance of accessibility, and the enduring desire for immersive, open-world experiences. What are your thoughts on the Oblivion Remastered phenomenon? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
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What is Oblivion Remaster?
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion™ Remastered modernizes the 2006 Game of the Year with all new stunning visuals and refined gameplay.
Is Oblivion remastered any good?
Oblivion Remastered has been garnering hundreds of thousands of concurrent players on Steam, and very positive reviews from critics. As of this writing, Elder Scrolls Oblivion has a 'Generally Favorable' 83 review score on Metacritic and an 83/100 review score on OpenCritic.
Is Oblivion Remaster a remake?
It is a remaster of 2006's The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and includes a full graphics overhaul using Unreal Engine 5 and various other improvements, from sprinting to redesigned menus. The original's expansion packs, Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles, are part of Oblivion Remastered.
Where can I play Oblivion remastered?
Play Oblivion Remastered on Mac Getting started is simple: subscribe to Shadow, purchase and install The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered on your new Shadow cloud gaming PC, then launch your game from macOS or any supported device - Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Chromebook, or even Apple TV.
