“Since starting this project two years ago, our goal has been to create the quintessential RPG of the next generation,” said Todd Howard, executive producer of The Elder Scrolls series. “We looked back at what we had done with the series, and then looked ahead to what the future of video games could be, and we think this is it.”

In keeping with the Elder Scrolls tradition, players will have the option to experience the main quest at their own pace, and there will be plenty of opportunities to explore the vast world and make your own way. Numerous factions can be joined, such as the thieves or mages guilds, and each contains its own complete storyline and the chance to rise to the head of the faction and reap further rewards.

Howard commented, “Our games have always been about great depth and variety in creating any kind of character you want and going out and doing whatever
you want.” He added, “With Oblivion, we’re taking the idea of a virtual fantasy world as far as it will go.”

Oblivion features a groundbreaking new AI system, called Radiant AI, which gives non-player characters (NPCs) the ability to make their own choices based on the world around them. They’ll decide where to eat or who to talk to and what they’ll say. They’ll sleep, go to church, and even steal items, all based on their individual characteristics. Full facial animations and lip-synching, combined with full speech for all dialog, allows NPCs to come to life like never before.

Oblivion is a single-player game that takes place in Tamriel’s capital province, Cyrodiil. You are given the task of finding the hidden heir to a throne that sits empty, the previous emperor having been killed by an unknown assassin. With no true Emperor, the gates to Oblivion (the equivalent of hell in the world of Tamriel) open, and demons begin to invade Cyrodiil and attack its people and towns. It’s up to you to find the lost heir to the throne and unravel the sinister plot that threatens to destroy all of Tamriel.