While many gamers are reveling in the unexpected launch of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, the indie publisher behind the PS2-inspired survival horror title Post Trauma is understandably feeling a bit outshined.
Despite some leaks prior to its release spoiling certain details, what remains unarguable is that Oblivion Remastered stands as the most significant game launch of the week, potentially even this month. Its only rivals are the upcoming PS5 debut of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, as well as The Last of Us 2 Remastered hitting PC. In fact, it’s safe to say that Oblivion Remastered is the standout title for April 2025, unless there’s an unannounced release that could change the landscape.
For indie developers and publishers, it’s crucial to strategically time releases to avoid overlap with major AAA titles. When release dates are known, this becomes manageable. However, the scenario shifts dramatically when blockbuster games debut with little to no warning, as was the case with Oblivion Remastered. This lack of notice would have left the publisher of Post Trauma, Raw Fury, with a meager few days to adjust to Bethesda’s schedule.
“I cherished Oblivion in my youth and continue to have strong feelings for it. I’m genuinely thrilled it’s being revitalized for a new generation of gamers to explore,” shared Raw Fury’s founder and CEO, Jónas Antonsson, via Twitter.
He continued, “However, from the viewpoint of indie publishers and developers, the emergence of such major shadow drops presents a dilemma. Everything else tends to get overshadowed. Without the financial muscle that larger companies possess, we have to meticulously plan our release dates around others to enhance our visibility.”
“I loved (when younger) and still absolutely love Oblivion and I’m personally excited to see it get a breath of new life and being introduced to a whole new generation of players. But from the perspective of indies and indie publishers, this is the problem with these sort of massive shadow drops…”– Jónas Antonsson
Post Trauma is not alone in the unfortunate timing of its launch with regard to Oblivion Remastered. The well-received turn-based RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is sharing in this experience. Its publisher, Kepler Interactive, took the clash in good humor, commenting on social media, “omg it’s like barbenheimer,” referencing the simultaneous theater release of Barbie and Oppenheimer in 2023.
“I love the game that has just come out but really sympathize with our team and especially the developer we’ve supported for years who has invested so much passion into this project,” Antonsson added.
Post Trauma marks the debut endeavor from the indie studio Red Soul Games based in Spain.
For what it’s worth, I had the chance to play Post Trauma during Steam Next Fest and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I remarked at the time that “it bangs despite its brutal puzzles.” While it’s easy to revel in the excitement surrounding Oblivion Remastered, I do empathize with indie developers like Red Soul Games and Raw Fury.
As pointed out by an ex-Blizzard executive, Oblivion Remastered “will never hold up” despite its high praise, while a developer from Baldur’s Gate 3 claims the “AAA is feeling more and more disconnected from the audience zeitgeist.”