OXO
The first video‑monitor game that lets you play tic‑tac‑toe against a computer.
Best for
Students and retro‑gaming fans exploring early video‑game history
Skip if
Players wanting modern graphics or multiplayer modes
What is OXO?
OXO is a historic computer game created in 1952 by Alexander S. Douglas for the EDSAC computer. It simulates a game of Noughts and Crosses (tic‑tac‑toe) and is the earliest known title to display graphics on a video monitor. Players interact using a rotary telephone controller while the 35×16 dot‑matrix CRT shows the board and the AI opponent's moves. Today it can be experienced on modern PCs via emulation, offering a glimpse into early interactive computing and AI.
SpecificationsAI-estimated
Key Features of OXO
Use Cases for OXO
Computer History Education
Demonstrate early AI and video output in a classroom setting.
Retro Gaming
Experience one of the first video games on modern hardware.
Programming Study
Analyze the original source code to learn about early software design.
Museum Exhibit
Interactive display for visitors to explore 1950s computing.
Pros & Cons of OXO
Pros
- Shows the origins of video game graphics.
- Simple yet strategic gameplay.
- Historical significance as the first visual computer game.
- Free and runs on modern PCs via emulation.
Cons
- Very limited visual fidelity by today's standards.
- Input method (rotary phone) is simulated and may feel unintuitive.
- Single‑player only; no multiplayer mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
What platforms can I play OXO on?
OXO can be run on any PC using an EDSAC emulator.
Do I need original EDSAC hardware?
No, the game is available through software emulation on modern computers.
Is OXO free to play?
Yes, the game is freely available as a historical artifact.
Can I play against another human?
OXO is designed for single‑player against the computer only.
Pricing Overview
View full pricing →Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.
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