it’s name,OXO,is linked to the pieces of what for many was the first video game in history,a program inspired by the classic tic-tac-toe and developed by Alexander S. Douglas in 1952 for the EDSAC computer, the first operational computer in capable of storing electronic programs. Douglas designed that game at Cambridge University, long before other classic titles such as ‘Tennis for Two’ (William Higginbotham, 1958) or the famous ‘Pong’ (Atari, 1972) arrived.
It’s logical,then,that Spain’s first Video Games Museum,which opened its doors in Malaga early last year,took its acronym. Some crosses and circles which will also serve to give the name to the Madrid branch of the museum complex, which will open its doors in the center of the capital this Thursday.
Santiago Bustamante, head of ‘System Failure’, Radio 3’s culture and technology program and cultural director of OXO, said on Monday that video games have been leading a “silent revolution” for some time, conquering spaces that were previously entirely dedicated to ” so-called high culture”. “We,” he continued, “are like Indiana Jones, who saw a cross and said, ‘It must be in a museum.’ “We see Oddysey, Lara Croft, ‘Halo’ or ‘Zelda’ and think the same thing.”
And that museum is located, in fact, in the heart of Callao, in the emblematic building that once housed the La Central bookshop (21 euros per ticket). With over 1,600 square metres, the building houses the permanent exhibition on the first floor, a corner dedicated to telling seventy years of history of a young medium, deeply linked to technological progress, which has left its mark on culture and art popular and has become a form of entertainment for millions of players.
Explanatory panels tell the history of video games, their creators, the systems that hosted them and their links with culture, together with the machines set up so that anyone can play alone or in company. From a corner dedicated to Ralph Baer, the father of video games, author of those first machines that connected to televisions via the antenna and which hosted different versions of the paddle and ball game, to the different storage systems – the cartridge , the cassette, the floppy disk or the CD-Rom -, the emergence of three dimensions, the Internet, mobile devices – there is a giant Nokia snake game available to play – or virtual reality.
There are spaces dedicated to the Odyssey,the first console in history with interchangeable game cartridges; Atari,the company responsible for the famous Atari 2600 computers,8-bit computers -Spectrum,Amstrad,Commodore and MSX-,the latter systems through which thousands of people in our country entered the world of electronic entertainment in the eighties or to the arrival of the personal computer as a powerful gaming machine,with a space dedicated to ID Software and its now legendary ‘Doom’.
OXO alternates its consoles and computers with a corner that transforms the museum into a game room with machines like ‘Tetris’, ‘Pac-Man’, ‘Street Fighter II Champion Edition’ or ‘Out Run’, but above all it leaves ample space to the big companies in the sector: Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony. Of the former we find everything from the Nes, with titles such as the legendary ‘Super Mario Bros.’, to the GameCube, passing through its successful laptops, with GameBoy at the helm, or failed systems such as Virtual Boy. for good measure, there’s also a section dedicated to the bloody console war fought between the Super Nintendo and Sega’s Mega Drive.
Virginia Carrasco
Of the latter, the museum presents various PlayStation models but on the second floor, mainly dedicated to temporary exhibitions, an exhibition has been opened which will retrace the legacy of the legendary sony console until 14 September 2025. a tribute to the 30 years that the brand has been with us. Titles like ‘Crash Bandicoot’, ‘Silent Hill’, ‘Metar Gear Solid’, ‘Tomb Raider’, ‘Uncharted’ or the most recent ‘Astro Bot’ are available for anyone who wants to visit an exhibition that has a PlayStation pad giant size to play with the legendary “Tony Hawk”.
But the role of OXO, whose entry costs 21 euros, does not seem to end here. bustamante assures that the venue “aspires to be a living museum, a cultural institution that organizes all types of conferences and activities”.
What are the key highlights of the Video Games Museum’s permanent exhibition on video game history?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Santiago Bustamante, Cultural Director of OXO
Editor: Welcome, Santiago! It’s marvelous to have you here with us today. To start, could you tell our readers about the importance of the name “OXO” and its ancient roots?
Santiago Bustamante: Thank you for having me! The name ”OXO” is derived from one of the earliest video games, which was inspired by tic-tac-toe and developed by Alexander S. Douglas in 1952. He created this program for the EDSAC computer – the first operational computer capable of storing electronic programs. It’s engaging to think that this simple game laid the foundation for what would become a massive industry.
Editor: It certainly is! And now, with the opening of the Madrid branch of the Video Games Museum, how dose it feel to be at the forefront of celebrating this revolutionary medium?
santiago Bustamante: It’s incredibly exciting! Video games have been on a “silent revolution,” as I put it, for quite some time. They’ve permeated spaces traditionally reserved for what’s seen as “high culture.” This museum isn’t just about games; it’s a testament to the evolution of a medium that’s left a meaningful mark on culture and society. As I like to compare it, we’re like Indiana Jones, and we recognize that these games are deserving of being showcased in a museum setting.
Editor: I love that analogy! The museum houses a permanent exhibition detailing seventy years of video game history. What can visitors expect to see when they walk through the doors?
Santiago Bustamante: Visitors will be treated to over 1,600 square meters of exhibits that detail the journey of video games, starting from their inception. The first floor is dedicated to narrating this history, showcasing the creators, the evolution of the systems that hosted these games, and their intertwined relationship with culture. Our aim is to not only educate but also to celebrate the artistry and technological progress behind video games.
Editor: That sounds unbelievable! It’s fascinating to see how games like “Halo,” “zelda,” and others are now considered part of our cultural canon. Why do you think it’s important to present video games alongside traditional forms of art and culture?
Santiago Bustamante: Video games embody a unique blend of storytelling, visual design, and interactivity that is unlike any other art form. They reflect our society, our challenges, and our triumphs, just like literature or painting. By placing them in the same spotlight as traditional forms of art, we recognize their value and their impact. It’s about understanding the broader cultural narrative that includes these diverse experiences.
Editor: Absolutely, it’s all about context! For those who may be skeptical about video games being in a museum, what would you say to them?
Santiago Bustamante: I’d invite them to experience the exhibit themselves. sparks of nostalgia and recognition unfold when they see familiar titles and characters. Video games are a part of many people’s lives and histories, so engaging with them allows for reflection on our shared experiences. once they see the craftsmanship and stories involved, I believe many will change their perspective.
Editor: Great point! Lastly, can you share your vision for the future of the OXO museum and its role in the community?
Santiago Bustamante: Our vision is to continue to evolve and expand our exhibitions, showcasing contemporary developments in the industry and fostering discussions around gaming culture.We aim to create a community hub where enthusiasts and newcomers can converge, learn, and celebrate this dynamic art form together. We want OXO to be a place where video games are not just played but appreciated in a way they’ve never been before.
Editor: Thank you, Santiago. Your passion for this subject is palpable, and it’s inspiring to see how far video gaming has come. I look forward to the opening of the Madrid branch and all that it will offer!
Santiago Bustamante: Thank you! We’re excited to share this journey with everyone and look forward to welcoming visitors to discover the world of video games in a new light.