Official Xbox Magazine

Official Xbox Magazine launched in November 2001, coinciding with the release of the original Xbox console. Published by Future US, it was part of a licensing agreement with Microsoft, making it the only magazine authorized to use the "Official" branding. The magazine initially focused on the Xbox's library, with cover stories on titles like Halo: Combat Evolved and Project Gotham Racing. It later expanded to cover the Xbox 360 and Xbox One, adapting to the evolving console generations. The UK edition, also titled Official Xbox Magazine, was published by Future Publishing and ran from 2001 to 2020, with a brief hiatus in 2014 before being revived. The US edition ceased publication in April 2020, with the final issue being a retrospective of the Xbox brand.

Each issue of OXM included exclusive previews, in-depth reviews, and developer interviews, often with early access to major Xbox titles. The magazine was particularly known for its demo discs, which were included with every issue and allowed readers to play playable demos of upcoming games. In the Xbox 360 era, these discs were DVD-based, and later, digital codes were provided for download. OXM also featured columns, reader letters, and a letters page that fostered a community feel. The magazine's reviews were influential, with a 10-point scale that many readers used to gauge game quality. Additionally, OXM hosted annual awards, such as "Game of the Year," and occasionally included exclusive DLC codes for games like Gears of War and Halo.

As print media declined, OXM transitioned to a digital format, offering a digital edition via the Zinio platform and later through the Apple Newsstand. The magazine also maintained a website, oxm.co.uk, which provided daily news and reviews. Despite the shift, the print edition remained popular among collectors, with back issues and demo discs becoming sought-after items. The final US issue, published in April 2020, was a 200-page retrospective celebrating the Xbox brand's history. The magazine's legacy includes its role in shaping Xbox gaming culture, particularly through its exclusive content and community engagement. Many former OXM writers went on to prominent careers in games journalism, including at IGN and GameSpot.

Beyond its mainstream coverage, OXM had several niche features. The magazine occasionally included "Retro" sections that explored classic Xbox games, and it published a series of "OXM Essentials" lists that highlighted underrated titles. It also ran a "Reader's Top 100" poll, where fans voted for their favorite games, often revealing surprising picks. The UK edition had a distinct identity, with a more irreverent tone and features like "The OXM 100" and "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly." Additionally, OXM was one of the first magazines to include a "Play & Win" competition, where readers could win exclusive prizes. The magazine also collaborated with developers to produce exclusive cover art and behind-the-scenes documentaries, some of which are now archived online.