Oblivion PS3 & PSP rumors resurface [update 1]
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Jul 26th 2006 at 2:55PM }
Back in April, there was talk of Oblivion ports for PlayStation 3 and PSP in the works, but speculation quickly died down after E3 passed with no further announcement. But recent listings for PS3 and PSP versions of Oblivion on EBGames have renewed hopes for ports onto Sony's platforms. Far from concrete evidence, but it's still got us thinking...A PS3 port is certainly within the realm of possibility, and if Bethesda could have it complete in time for the launch window, the title could be a big hit, even if it is the game's second coming. But the idea of a PSP port is still baffling. Perhaps if it were an extension of the console version, with the ability to share data between platforms. We're thinking hack n' slash spin-off that randomly generates Oblivion maps where you could share characters/gold/items with the console version of Oblivion. Or not.
[Update: Speaking with Gamepro, Bethesda's Pete Hines responded (predictably) that the rumors of the ports are "just an assumption" and that there are "no announced plans for any other version right now." Note that he's not saying , "EN OH." There's smoke for sure, but is there fire? Thanks for the update, Mike.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mike @ Jul 26th 2006 3:00PM
Bethesda responded to this rumor earlier today:
http://pspupdates.qj.net/Bethesda-Speaks-on-PS3-PSP-Oblivion-Rumor/pg/49/aid/59863
epobirs @ Jul 26th 2006 3:08PM
Supposing there really is a PSP Elder Scrolls game in the works, it would be a complete waste if it were just a port of the Xbox 360 title. It should be something that can stand on its own but also be of interest to those who enjoyed the Xbox 360 and PC versions of Oblivion. Sell more product to the people who already like your stuff rather than pursuing diminishing returns by porting to reach ever smaller user bases who haven't already played the game elsewhere.
Big Ed @ Jul 26th 2006 3:10PM
It could happen, but this just looks like wishful thinking from Sony fanboys.
Colonel @ Jul 26th 2006 3:12PM
The link above confirms that the idea is "hogwash", according to Bethesda, and that there are no announced plans for either version.
/rumor over.
GSI @ Jul 26th 2006 3:16PM
That picture is disturbing...lol
Mark D. @ Jul 26th 2006 3:32PM
Pfft, you obviously don't remember the Riddler.
C. Grant @ Jul 26th 2006 3:50PM
Colonel: Uh, no. Number one, where's the "hogwash" quote coming from. Number two, there weren't any announced plans for Halo 3 until just a couple months back. Will you believe everything a PR rep tells you?
Lee @ Jul 26th 2006 3:51PM
Rumour's not over, plenty of games are outright denied and eventually released.
GSI @ Jul 26th 2006 3:55PM
HAHA naw I do remember the Riddler but with it being just arms, a head and part of a torso it looks...disturbing. lol
Tobor @ Jul 26th 2006 4:32PM
A toned down Oblivion for PSP sounds like a good idea, until you imagine the soul crushing load times it would have.
Deep Labryinth for DS is being hyped as Oblivion like. Should be interesting.
Jake @ Jul 26th 2006 4:55PM
Oblivion is an awesome game. The Japanese like awesome games, but hate the 360. Therefore, there might be some Japanese people who don't game on PC, but will have a PS3, that might want this game on PS3. It is in the realm of possibility.
Oblivion is set up nicely. They should make their next game similar but set in a different world with different story/enemies/character possibities, etc and release it on PS3, 360, and PC
J B Cougar @ Jul 26th 2006 5:18PM
I can see it now, a PSP Elder Scrolls port....
"You are in a dungeon jail. The door is locked. You..."
LOADING...LOADING...LOADING...LOADING...LOADING...
You get the idea
Gianni Gotti @ Jul 26th 2006 5:43PM
Oblivion was developed on GAMEBRYO middleware.
Middleware has at least 2 purposes:
(1) Speed up development via components
(2) Ease cross-platform publishing by hiding differences in architecture.
If the PS3 sells more than 5,000 units (it will), Bethesda will easily be able to amortize their development costs by publishing on the PS3 platform.
The only reason they wouldn't do this is:
(1) Oblivion contains oodles of Xbox 360 specific coding - we know that it doesn't.
(2) They don't like money.
(3) They have an exclusivity contract with Microsoft - unlikely given that the game has been out for ages.
The above is logic. The inescapable conclusion is that Oblivion WILL be published for the PS3 barring aany new developments.
Rabid fanboy ramblings ensue...