How Old Is Oblivion

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is one of those landmark titles in video game history that continues to be talked about, played, and revisited by fans years after its release. Released during a time of transition between console generations, Oblivion introduced many players to expansive open-world fantasy role-playing. It stood out for its ambition, vast world, detailed character creation, and emergent gameplay. With such a lasting impact, many gamers and new fans still wonder just how old is Oblivion?

Original Release Date of Oblivion

Oblivion was officially released on March 20, 2006. It launched first for Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360. Later that year, on March 23, it was made available in Europe. The PlayStation 3 version followed much later, released in March 2007. That means, as of 2025, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is19 years old. Nearly two decades later, it’s still regarded as a classic in the RPG genre.

Context of Release

When Oblivion launched, the gaming industry was shifting toward a new era of graphics and immersion. The Xbox 360 had just come out in late 2005, and Oblivion quickly became one of the platform’s most prominent early titles. It also served as a bridge between the graphical limitations of the original Xbox and the more advanced capabilities of the Xbox 360 and PS3. At the time, its visuals and dynamic environments were considered groundbreaking.

Development History

Oblivion was developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. The project started development shortly after the release of its predecessor, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, in 2002. It took approximately four years to develop, with Bethesda using a new engine called the Gamebryo engine, which allowed for better lighting, real-time shadows, and improved AI through a system known as Radiant AI.

Why Oblivion Felt Ahead of Its Time

One reason Oblivion still holds up today is how advanced it felt upon release. Key features included:

• Full voice acting for every non-player character (a rarity at the time)
• Dynamic weather and day-night cycles
• Level scaling enemies and loot
• Open-ended exploration with hundreds of hours of side content
• Highly customizable character creation

All of these made Oblivion a massive step forward for immersive RPGs, and many modern open-world games still borrow ideas pioneered in it.

How the Age of Oblivion Impacts Gameplay Today

With Oblivion now 19 years old, players returning to the game may notice some signs of aging. Character animations, facial expressions, and some combat mechanics can feel dated compared to newer games. However, the storytelling, quest design, and exploration remain engaging even today.

Thankfully, Oblivion has a vibrant modding community that has spent years improving the game’s graphics, interface, and overall performance. With mods, the game can feel surprisingly modern, even on today’s hardware.

Legacy of Oblivion in the Elder Scrolls Franchise

Influence on Skyrim

Many elements introduced in Oblivion laid the foundation for 2011’s The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Features such as fast travel, enemy level scaling, and the Radiant AI system all evolved in Skyrim. While Skyrim streamlined many mechanics, Oblivion was the stepping stone that helped define what fans expect from an Elder Scrolls game.

Impact on Open-World Games

Beyond its influence within its own franchise, Oblivion helped shape how open-world RPGs were designed across the industry. Games like Fallout 3, The Witcher 3, and even modern Assassin’s Creed titles owe some design principles to what Oblivion helped popularize. The idea of a fully explorable world with emergent stories and nonlinear progression became a core part of gaming culture following Oblivion’s success.

Modern Availability and Where to Play

Even though Oblivion is nearly two decades old, it remains widely accessible:

• PC (Steam, GOG, Microsoft Store): Compatible with modern systems, supports mods
• Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S: Backward compatible, enhanced visuals on newer hardware
• PlayStation 3: Original version still available for purchase, though not optimized for modern consoles

On PC, Oblivion can often be found on sale for under $10, and it is bundled in various Bethesda collections. The Game of the Year edition includes both major expansions: Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles.

Oblivion’s Age and the Fanbase

Despite being released in 2006, Oblivion still maintains an active and passionate fanbase. From YouTubers creating nostalgic playthroughs to modders releasing new content, the community helps keep the game alive. This longevity speaks volumes about how well Oblivion was crafted and how influential it has been.

Why People Still Play Oblivion

• Engaging questlines, such as the Dark Brotherhood and Thieves Guild
• Freedom to explore and play at your own pace
• Rich fantasy world with memorable characters
• Modding potential for endless replayability

For many players, Oblivion represents a golden era of RPGs, where the focus was on freedom, immersion, and storytelling rather than graphical fidelity or microtransactions.

Comparing Oblivion’s Age to Other Elder Scrolls Titles

In the timeline of the Elder Scrolls series, Oblivion sits in the middle. Here’s a look at how its age compares to other major entries:

• The Elder Scrolls I: Arena– Released in 1994 (31 years old in 2025)
• The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall– Released in 1996 (29 years old)
• The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind– Released in 2002 (23 years old)
• The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion– Released in 2006 (19 years old)
• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim– Released in 2011 (14 years old)

With The Elder Scrolls VI still in development, Oblivion remains a significant chapter in the series’ history and a game that continues to bridge the gap between old-school RPG design and modern expectations.

As of 2025, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is 19 years old. Despite its age, it continues to be one of the most respected and loved RPGs of its time. Its influence stretches far beyond its release date, helping shape the direction of not just the Elder Scrolls series but the entire open-world genre. Whether you’re a returning fan or someone discovering it for the first time, Oblivion offers an unforgettable adventure that still holds up nearly two decades later. Thanks to continued community support and modern hardware compatibility, this classic game remains accessible and enjoyable long after its initial launch.