For nearly two decades, Official Xbox Magazine (OXM) was a go-to source for Xbox gamers worldwide. Launched in 2001, OXM provided readers with in-depth game reviews, exclusive previews, industry news, and demo discs loaded with playable game content. It played a vital role in shaping the Xbox gaming community before its eventual closure in 2020.
This article takes a deep dive into OXM’s history, features, and impact on the gaming world, covering everything from its early days to its final issue.
History of Official Xbox Magazine
Launch and Early Years (2001–2005)
Official Xbox Magazine was first published in November 2001, coinciding with the launch of Microsoft’s first gaming console, the Xbox. Unlike many gaming magazines, OXM stood out by including demo discs packed with game previews, trailers, and exclusive downloadable content. These discs provided an early glimpse into upcoming games and even helped gamers update their consoles.
During this time, OXM quickly gained a loyal readership, thanks to its unique mix of industry news, reviews, and hands-on experiences with Xbox games.
The Xbox 360 Era (2005–2012)
With the arrival of the Xbox 360 in 2005, OXM adapted by offering even more in-depth coverage of new and upcoming games. The magazine introduced a new review system, shifting from a 100-point scale to a 20-point scale in the U.S. edition, while the UK edition adopted a 10-point scale.
Some of the most memorable OXM issues during this period featured:
- Exclusive game previews and hands-on impressions of Gears of War, Halo 3, Fallout 3, and Mass Effect.
- Early access to Xbox 360 dashboard updates and backward compatibility information.
- Special demo discs featuring beta access to major games like Final Fantasy XI.
By 2012, however, OXM decided to discontinue the demo discs, stating that digital access to game demos and content via Xbox Live had made the discs redundant.
Decline and Closure (2013–2020)
Following the rise of online gaming journalism and YouTube content creators, traditional print magazines like OXM faced declining readership. In 2014, Future Publishing merged the U.S. and UK editions of the magazine. The digital presence of OXM also faded when Future shut down its gaming websites, including Edge and Computer and Video Games.
In April 2020, Future Publishing officially announced the closure of Official Xbox Magazine, with the May 2020 issue being its final release. The COVID-19 pandemic was cited as a contributing factor to the decision.
Content and Features of OXM
Demo Discs and Exclusive Content
For much of its run, OXM was known for bundling demo discs that contained:
- Playable game demos.
- Preview videos and trailers.
- Exclusive in-game content such as gamer pics and themes.
- System updates for Xbox consoles.
Some standout issues included exclusive content like Guitar Hero III demo songs and the Halo Theme MJOLNIR Mix for Guitar Hero III.
Game Reviews and Ratings
OXM’s review system evolved over time:
- 2001–2005: 100-point scale (e.g., 9.5/10.0).
- 2005–2012: 20-point scale (e.g., 8.5/10.0).
- UK Edition: 10-point scale (e.g., 9/10).
A few games received a perfect 10/10 score from both the U.S. and UK editions, including:
- BioShock
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Grand Theft Auto V
Regular Sections and Columns
OXM featured several engaging sections that made it stand out:
- We Heart Xbox – Showcasing upcoming games and user-modified hardware.
- Message Center – Reader letters and OXM staff insights.
- Xbox Next – Exclusive previews of upcoming games.
- Xbox Now – Reviews of all Xbox and Xbox Live Arcade games.
- Xbox 365 – Gaming industry news, hardware reviews, and budget game recommendations.
Podcasts and Digital Expansion
OXM extended its reach through digital content:
- KOXM Podcast: A weekly audio podcast featuring gaming discussions and trivia contests.
- OXM Video Podcast: An occasional video series featuring exclusive developer interviews and game previews.
- Inside Xbox Partnership: The magazine’s video team contributed to Microsoft’s Inside Xbox show.
OXM’s Impact on the Gaming Community
- Shaped Xbox Gaming Culture: OXM was a trusted source for Xbox news, shaping how players viewed upcoming games.
- Exclusive Previews: The magazine often provided first looks at major games before online outlets.
- Engaging Community: Readers interacted through competitions, letter sections, and the OXM Universe (a discontinued interactive feature).
Even after its closure, many longtime readers still remember OXM as a key part of their Xbox gaming experience.
Conclusion
For nearly 20 years, Official Xbox Magazine was a must-read publication for Xbox fans. From its early demo discs to its in-depth game reviews, OXM played a crucial role in gaming journalism. While digital media has largely replaced print magazines, OXM’s legacy remains a cherished part of Xbox history.
FAQs
1. When was Official Xbox Magazine first published?
OXM was first published in November 2001, around the launch of the original Xbox.
2. Why did OXM stop including demo discs?
In January 2012, OXM stopped including demo discs as most gamers had access to digital downloads via Xbox Live.
3. What was the highest score a game could receive in OXM?
OXM used different rating systems over the years, but a perfect 10/10 was the highest score given to select games like BioShock and GTA V.
4. When did Official Xbox Magazine shut down?
Future Publishing shut down OXM in April 2020, with the May 2020 issue being the last one published.
5. What was OXM’s biggest impact on gaming?
OXM was one of the most trusted sources for Xbox-related news, reviews, and exclusive content, influencing how gamers viewed upcoming releases.
