Mega-mod Skyblivion, a project aimed at recreating The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion using the Skyrim Special Edition engine, is approaching release after a decade of development. While anticipation remains high, former team member Dee Keyes has voiced serious concerns regarding the project’s management and the feasibility of its release timeline.

In a recent update, Keyes shared,

“I’m sorry that I have to do this but it’s for the good of a project I care dearly about.” — August 30, 2025

Keyes criticized the team for pushing toward what they consider a ‘pointless and unachievable’ deadline for a 2025 release. They argued that while the trailers and developer diaries have built hype, these promotional materials do not accurately represent the current state of the game. According to Keyes, substantial revisions are needed to reach the level of polish depicted in these videos, which has created a stressful environment among the developers.

Although Keyes has departed from the team, multiple remaining developers have responded to these claims, sharing their commitment to finishing the project responsibly. Skyblivion’s communication lead, Evan Flatt, mentioned on Reddit,

“We’ve made it clear our goal is to release this year. However, we will not launch until the team feels confident in the product.”

Keyes concluded their statement with a cautionary note, likening the development process to a rushed season of a famous show:

“Skyblivion is becoming Season 8 of Game of Thrones.”

Despite the turmoil, supporters maintain hope for the project’s future as they aim to uphold the vision of creating a beloved tribute to the Elder Scrolls series.