Oblivion Confirmed For PS3 Launch, PSP in Spring

Developer Bethesda Softworks has finally confirmed the long-rumored development of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion for the PlayStation 3, as well as a new version of the game for the PSP titled The Elder Scrolls Travels: Oblivion. However, while Oblivion is currently scheduled to serve as a major launch title for the PlayStation 3 this November, the PSP counterpart is anticipated to ship during the slightly more ambiguous spring 2007 time frame in both North America and Europe. Both games will be published exclusively in North America by Bethesda Softworks, while in Europe, Ubisoft will serve as co-publisher. While few details are known regarding either game, particularly concerning any platform exclusive content, Bethesda has noted that “complete details”will be featured in the October issue of Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine (OPM), which features the pair as its cover story. Oblivion's rumored PlayStation 3 and PSP development dates as far back as April of this year, at which time a version of Bethesda's forthcoming game release list was inadvertently mailed, and included both then-unconfirmed versions alongside other upcoming titles from the company such as Star Trek - Battlestations for PlayStation 2 and Star Trek – Legacy. Up until this confirmation, Bethesda has adamantly denied that the game was in development for either platform. Released in March for the Xbox 360, The Elder Scrolls IV has achieved critical acclaim, with review aggregation service Metacritic ranking it as an average 94% rated title, according to multiple video game review sites. “We’re very excited to be able to bring a game like Oblivion out for launch for the PlayStation 3,” said Bethesda Softworks president, Vlatko Andonov. “Oblivion’s countless awards and commercial success to date make it clear that PlayStation 3 owners are in for a real treat this November.”