The ambitious fan-made project, Skyblivion, which reimagines Oblivion within the Skyrim engine, is targeting a release this year. To provide fans with a behind-the-scenes glimpse, one of the developers has launched a new video diary series, showcasing the ongoing efforts to finalize this extensive Skyrim modification before its anticipated launch.
While the Skyblivion team has consistently shared updates on their progress, this new series offers an even deeper dive into the hard work and dedication required to bring this massive undertaking to fruition. Viewers can expect intriguing insights, including quirky glimpses of in-development assets like Uriel Septim’s disembodied head.
Entitled “Finishing Skyblivion,” the YouTube series, created by Skyblivion implementation lead Heavy Burns, kicks off with an episode filled with intriguing visuals. The video focuses on the fine-tuning of NPC head models created by the mod’s artists, ensuring they maximize the detail afforded by the character creation system.
The episode features shots of detached heads, sporting glowing purple eye sockets, awaiting retexturing of their eyebrows, beards, and hairstyles to enhance their appearance. Among the characters receiving these digital makeovers are notable figures like Lucien Lachance of the Dark Brotherhood and the emperor, Uriel Septim. The uncanny resemblance of the latter to actor Patrick Stewart adds to the surreal nature of the floating, disembodied heads.
Beyond the unusual visuals, the video offers insights valuable to those interested in modding. It features glimpses into the development of locations such as Anvil and the Imperial City, with Heavy Burns noting that the latter is “the final section of the open world yet to be completed” before release.
The diary also includes segments focusing on the placement of statues within Oblivion, the realm players will explore during Boethiah’s Daedric quest. While still dominated by lava flows, the Oblivion realm is being crafted with unique features to distinguish it from the domains of Mehrunes Dagon. Additional segments cover tasks such as detailing curbs and creating signs, providing a glimpse into the nuances of mod creation.
Heavy Burns concludes the video by hinting at an upcoming full developer diary for Skyblivion. The project is still actively seeking volunteers possessing the necessary skills to assist in the final stages of development. For a deeper understanding of what to expect from the completed mod, take a look at our June interview with project lead Kyle ‘Rebelzize’ Rebel.