Oblivion Remastered’s Shadow Looms: Indie Games Struggle for Spotlight
The recent surprise launch of Oblivion Remastered has sent ripples through the gaming world, but not everyone is celebrating. While fans rejoice at the return of a beloved classic, indie developers are feeling the squeeze as their meticulously planned releases get overshadowed by Bethesda's massive shadow drop.
One such case is Post Trauma, a PS2-era inspired survival horror game by Red Soul Games, published by Raw Fury. Released on the same day as Oblivion Remastered, Post Trauma faced an uphill battle for visibility. Raw Fury, known for championing indie titles, has responded with a tongue-in-cheek approach, announcing a "spiritual re-release" of Post Trauma on June 23rd, cheekily titled "Post Trauma: The Re-Release Except We're Not Un-Releasing It First, And It's Pretty Much the Same," accompanied by the hashtag #PleaseNoShadowDropThisTime.
This situation highlights a broader issue in the gaming industry: the ongoing struggle for indie games to gain recognition amidst a sea of AAA releases. Jonas Antonsson, co-founder of Raw Fury, expressed his concerns on social media, emphasizing the challenges indie developers face when competing for attention with big-budget titles. "We don't have the cash nor muscle to throw around, so everything is carefully planned. Including when to release, based on other releases etc – to try to maximize the chances of getting attention," Antonsson stated.
It's not just about Oblivion Remastered specifically; it's about the systemic advantage AAA games have due to their substantial marketing budgets and established brand recognition. While Oblivion Remastered has seen impressive player numbers, with Bethesda celebrating 4 million players in just 3 days, many smaller titles risk being buried under its shadow. Despite Raw Fury having an established name, the success of one project, such as their well-received game Blue Prince, doesn't guarantee visibility for others, like Post Trauma.
The incident serves as a reminder of the difficulties indie developers face in a competitive market. Other games, such as the Lovecraft-inspired roguelike Starless Abyss, faced similar challenges upon release. The industry relies on media coverage and word-of-mouth to give these smaller titles a chance to shine, and moments like this put the spotlight on the real challenge of breaking through the noise.
What are your thoughts on the challenges indie games face? Do you think surprise releases from major publishers stifle creativity and visibility for smaller developers? Share your perspectives in the comments below.
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Is Oblivion Remastered 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.
How can I play Oblivion remastered?
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.
Is Oblivion Remaster coming to PS5?
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is available via PC, PS5, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X. It is available for $49.99 as well as with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
