Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Sparks ‘Woke’ Backlash Over Forced Transgender Role Claims
Gamers Slam "Woke" Changes in Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Bethesda’s reimagined version of its 2006 RPG classic, has sparked backlash for replacing traditional male/female gender options with numbered “body types.” Critics accuse the studio of pushing a “woke” agenda, claiming the change “forces players to play as transgender characters.”
Released on April 23 for PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Windows, the remaster tasks players with battling a demonic invasion in the fantasy realm of Tamriel. However, the updated character creation screen—which now uses “Body Type 1” (traditionally female) and “Body Type 2” (traditionally male)—has drawn ire.
The character customization screen now uses "Body Type 1" and "Body Type 2."
X user @Grummz ignited the debate, posting a screenshot with the caption: “Why did they do this? Bring back Male/Female.” Elon Musk amplified the criticism, replying with a flame emoji. Others called the move “offensive,” with one stating, “Human beings are not numbers!” Another argued, “This denies our existence—patch it out or I won’t buy it.”
Elon Musk joined critics, replying with a flame emoji.
While some players demanded refunds on Steam, others defended the update. A supporter countered, “If ‘Body Type’ labels upset you, how do you handle real problems?” Bethesda has not commented, but the studio’s parent company, Microsoft, has previously emphasized inclusivity in its Gaming For Everyone framework, urging “authentic representation” of diverse groups.
Social media backlash over the removal of gender labels.
The original 2006 game allowed players to choose “male” or “female,” but the remaster follows trends in recent RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3, which also uses body types. Critics like YouTuber John F. Trent argue Bethesda is pushing “vile gender ideology,” citing past inclusive choices, such as a non-binary character voiced by drag performer Vico Ortiz in The Elder Scrolls Online.
Players battle demons in Tamriel.
Despite the controversy, Oblivion Remastered retains its core quests and gameplay, letting players “master swordcraft and wield magic” against demonic Daedra. Yet, for some, the gender label shift overshadows nostalgia. As debates over inclusivity in gaming rage on, Bethesda’s update highlights the industry’s struggle to balance tradition with evolving social norms.
What is The Elder Scrolls?
The series, developed by Bethesda, features open-world RPGs set in Tamriel. The remaster revives the 2006 title, enhancing graphics and mechanics while stirring debate over its character customization changes.
The remaster updates the 2006 classic with modern visuals.
As players dive into the updated world of Oblivion, the discourse underscores a cultural divide: Should games reflect contemporary social progress, or preserve original elements to appease long-time fans? For now, the answer remains as contested as Tamriel’s demonic battles.
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