Joystiq [PlayStation]

It's rumor alert! That's all this is. Perhaps someone has heard more news one way or another since it surfaced, but let's assume not for now. What's the deal? Well, the PS3 super-secret launch title, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, may not be super-secret anymore but it also may not be a launch title. Let us explain the basis of this rumor and you can either digest it properly or spit it out due to its bitter taste.

Retail listings, friends. That is what spawned this rumor. EB/Gamestop (let's try to find a collective title for them, like EBStop) has the title listed for a December 4th release -- which is in the "launch window" but falls short of a true launch title. Wal-Mart, whose heart lies within us all, the consumers, doesn't have the game listed as available until January 27th, 2007... which is actually my birthday in case anyone cares (insert smiley face with halo here). To contrast, Circuit City and other online stores still have the title listed as November 19th, which is probably the closest you can get. What do you guys think? Is EBStop and the 'Mart being too cautious, or is there something to this?