Oblivion Remastered: Why Aren't Gamers Finishing It?

Oblivion Remastered, despite its initial hype and high player count, has a surprisingly low completion rate, leaving many wondering why so few gamers are actually finishing this remastered epic. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, which took many by surprise with its shadow drop, quickly climbed to the top of the charts. However, despite the initial enthusiasm, only a small fraction of players have actually seen the main campaign through to the end.

Given the game's positive reception and the fact that many are experiencing it for the first time, this low completion rate is puzzling. What could be the reason behind this phenomenon? Is it simply a case of players getting distracted by the vast open world, or is there a deeper issue at play?

The Shocking Completion Rate of Oblivion Remastered

Initially, reports indicated that a mere 3% of players had completed The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. While that figure has since risen, TrueAchievements currently states that only 7% of players have unlocked the "Champion of Cyrodiil" achievement, awarded for finishing the main story. This is despite the fact that Oblivion Remastered isn't particularly challenging and the main story can be completed in around 16 hours, or even less for experienced players.

So, what's going on? With overwhelmingly positive reviews and significant improvements over the original, why aren't more people seeing the story through? It's unlikely to be the narrative itself, which, while not revolutionary, is certainly enjoyable for both long-time Elder Scrolls fans and newcomers alike.

The Xbox Game Pass Effect on Oblivion Remastered

One potential explanation for the low Oblivion Remastered completion rate is the "Xbox Game Pass effect." Similar to other streaming services, Game Pass makes it easy to start a game without the financial commitment of a full purchase. This can lead to players trying a game for a few hours and then moving on to something else, with the intention of returning later, but often never do.

The sheer number of games available on Game Pass each month also contributes to this phenomenon. Players are faced with "choice paralysis," overwhelmed by the abundance of options. Games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which launched around the same time, may have further diverted attention away from Oblivion Remastered.

The Novelty Wears Off

Beyond Game Pass, another factor contributing to the low completion rate is the fact that Oblivion Remastered, like many remasters, can suffer from the "novelty effect." While the game features updated visuals and minor gameplay tweaks, it doesn't fundamentally alter the core experience. Players who have already spent countless hours with the original may find that the initial excitement wears off quickly, leading them to seek out something new.

Implications for a Potential Fallout 3 Remaster

The lukewarm reception to Oblivion Remastered's main story completion raises concerns about the potential success of a Fallout 3 remaster. If players are losing interest in a remastered game with familiar gameplay, will they be willing to pay full price for another similar experience, even with improved graphics? There's a real possibility that the novelty of seeing an old Bethesda game in a new engine has worn off.

While a Fallout 3 remaster could be incredible, the lack of enthusiasm for Oblivion's main story may indicate that players are looking for more than just a visual upgrade. They might want substantial gameplay changes or new content to justify the purchase. The success of any future Bethesda remaster will likely depend on how well it addresses this issue.

In conclusion, the low completion rate of Oblivion Remastered can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the Xbox Game Pass effect and the diminishing novelty of remastered games. This trend raises questions about the future of Bethesda's remastering strategy and whether visual upgrades alone are enough to entice players to fully engage with these classic titles.