In the shadow of major gaming giants lies Virtuos, an independent video game company that plays a crucial role in shaping some of your favorite titles. With projects including The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Cyberpunk 2077, and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Virtuos employs over 4,000 staff across more than 20 studios worldwide. Yet, despite its significant contributions, many gamers remain unaware of its existence.

Recently, Virtuos faced challenges, laying off about 7% of its global workforce, around 270 employees, as it adapts to the evolving gaming landscape. Most of these layoffs impacted its Asian branch.

During an exclusive interview at Gamescom 2025, Virtuos CEO Gilles Langourieux opened up about the company's journey, the intricacies behind Oblivion's revival, and what the future might hold.

Crafting a Classic: The Oblivion Remaster Journey

Langourieux highlighted Virtuos' extensive experience in remasters, having successfully worked on titles like Batman and Dark Souls. This expertise made them the ideal candidate to partner with Bethesda on the iconic Oblivion.

"We proved our capability during a pilot phase to Todd Howard and his team. They were already familiar with us, and from there, we aligned with Bethesda's vision for quality and detail to meet fan expectations," Langourieux explained.

Utilizing Unreal Engine 5, the remaster runs at an impressive 4K resolution and 60 frames per second. However, it's the host of enhancements—revamped leveling systems, improved character creation, and new combat animations—that truly set it apart. While some fans believe it deserves the title of a remake, Bethesda has reframed it as a remaster, emphasizing the blend of new technologies with the treasured original gameplay.

Innovative Techniques: Merging Engines for a Timeless Experience

In order to preserve the essence of the original while modernizing it, Virtuos decided to merge the old engine with the new. Langourieux noted, "We utilize engine pairing to ensure gameplay authenticity while upgrading graphics and performance. Our long-standing experience with Unreal allowed us to execute this concept seamlessly."

The Power of Collaboration: A Team Effort

Virtuos mobilized up to 400 artists for the project, with their Paris studio taking the lead. This large-scale collaboration focused on fine-tuning Oblivion's art style while giving it a fresh facelift, all under the careful watch of a dedicated team at Bethesda headed by Howard.

Upon its launch, Oblivion Remastered captivated over 9 million players, garnering positive feedback and elevating Virtuos’ profile within the gaming industry. The company even appeared in Bethesda’s official announcement video, a gesture Langourieux deeply appreciated.

What Lies Ahead for Virtuos?

With recent successes in the pipeline, gamers are speculating whether Virtuos will assist in further remasters, potentially even a Fallout title. Langourieux teased, "While I can't disclose specific projects, we’re definitely equipped to tackle more impactful remasters and expand existing titles’ lifespans in the future."

Despite the buzz, Virtuos remains grounded, content with its supporting role in the industry. Langourieux confidently stated, "Not everyone wants to be in the spotlight. We’re perfectly positioned as a stable and ambitious developer, dedicated to our clients’ success rather than chasing the rockstar dream."