While we wait for further updates on thedelayedFallout: London, we can at least take a quick gander at another unofficial modification of a well-known Bethesda IP. The team behind the rather ambitiousSkyblivionproject has put out another dev diary, showing the work that’s gone into the mod so far.
In the latest video, we get a glimpse into where things are currently standing, as the narrator takes us through some memorable locations fromThe Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivionthat are in development. This includes the Great Forest, the Ayleid Ruins, as well as some of the denizens that haunt the location, and the city of Chorrol.
One of the more interesting features of the video is the discussion of the UI. Since being shown off last, a lot of changes have been made to the interface, showing a much more immersive character creation screen. We also get told about howOblivion‘s tumbler-based lockpicking function is making a comeback forSkyblivion, completely abandoning theSkyrimmechanic, it seems.
Mod release when?
For those who don’t know,Skyblivionis a complete remake ofTES4done inTES5‘s more advanced (though aging these days) engine. It’s been in development since 2016 and is helmed by a team of volunteers. The narrator does say that additional help is always welcome, so if you are interested in helping out the project, you can fill out thevolunteer application form.
As for a release date, there’s nothing set in stone yet. Currently,Skyblivionis aiming for a 2025 launch, but as the new dev diary clearly states, there’s still a lot of work to be done.
However, that work is coming along nicely. It’s been a goodfew months since we last saw an update, but it’s fair to say this is a modification with some impressive scope. It’s going to take a long time for a project like this to become finalized, especially as it’s entirely fan-made and, as such, does not appear to have the backing of Bethesda.
It is, however, a pretty solid testament to the dedication of the modding community. The aforementionedFallout: Londonis another example of the drive the community has to create something unique and/or exciting, especially when you take into account that these are volunteers working in an unofficial capacity. To see a complete remake ofObliviondone inSkyrimis no small feat, so if it takes the team a couple more years to finish, I think it will be worth the wait in the end.
