98xx on Steam - User reviews, Price & Information
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The 98xx is an old computer OS from the 90s that’s recently been discovered after many years of being lost. There are still a few working files within the OS that can be explored.
98xx is a simulation, horror and point & click game
developed by JacksonG13
and published by JacksonGameStudios.
Released on May 29th 2023 is available in English only on Windows.
It has received 314 reviews of which 251 were positive and 63 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. 😊
The game is currently priced at 2.99€ on Steam.
The Steam community has classified 98xx into these genres:
Media & Screenshots
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System requirements
These are the minimum specifications needed to play the game. For the best experience, we recommend that you verify them.
Windows
- OS: Windows 10 or 11
- Processor: Intel(R) Celeron(R) N4000 CPU @ 1.10GHz (2 CPUs), ~1.1GHz
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Graphics: Intel(R) UHD Graphics 600
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 700 MB available space
User reviews & Ratings
Explore reviews from Steam users sharing their experiences and what they love about the game.
98xx is an inventive indie experience developed by JacksonG13 and published under JacksonGameStudios that reframes horror through the lens of a rediscovered late-1990s computer operating system. Rather than placing the player in a physical environment or traditional first-person setting, the game situates everything inside a faux desktop interface, inviting exploration through familiar icons, windows, and executable files. This framing immediately establishes a sense of uncanny nostalgia, using the comfort of an old OS aesthetic as a contrast to the creeping unease that develops the deeper the player interacts with its contents. At a surface level, 98xx presents itself as a harmless archive of basic programs and mini-applications. There are simple games, productivity tools, image viewers, and other mundane software that appear intentionally bland and era-appropriate. Interacting with these programs initially feels playful and even charming, especially for players who remember early home computers. However, the game’s real strength lies in how this normalcy slowly erodes. Programs begin to behave strangely, visual glitches emerge, and subtle audio distortions creep in, signaling that the operating system is not as inert as it first appears. The horror is gradual and psychological, relying on curiosity and pattern recognition rather than immediate shock. Much of the engagement comes from experimentation and observation. Mini-games embedded within the OS, such as small platformers or logic challenges, often serve as gateways to deeper layers of the experience. Completing them or interacting with them in unexpected ways can trigger corrupted visuals, hidden messages, or unsettling narrative fragments that hint at a darker history behind the system. One of the most memorable aspects of 98xx is how it rewards attention to detail; filenames, numbers, and seemingly decorative elements can all carry meaning, encouraging players to scrutinize every corner of the interface. The game’s storytelling is deliberately fragmented and indirect. Rather than delivering a clear plot, 98xx assembles its narrative through implication, environmental clues, and cryptic interactions. The sense of uncovering a digital artifact—something that was never meant to be found or fully understood—permeates the experience. This approach aligns closely with alternate reality game sensibilities, where the act of discovery is as important as the content itself. Players piece together meaning from scattered hints, building their own interpretation of what the OS is, where it came from, and what might be trapped within it. Visually, 98xx leans heavily into late-90s design language, with flat icons, simple window borders, low-resolution graphics, and limited color palettes. This deliberate restraint enhances immersion, making the system feel authentic rather than stylized. Glitch effects and visual corruption are used sparingly but effectively, standing out precisely because they disrupt an otherwise stable interface. Sound design follows a similar philosophy, favoring subtle system noises, distorted audio clips, and occasional silence over constant musical accompaniment. These choices reinforce the idea that something is wrong beneath the surface without constantly demanding attention. The horror elements themselves are varied in tone. Some moments rely on sudden audiovisual disruptions that briefly break the calm, while others are slow and disquieting, emerging through repeated exposure to corrupted files or unsettling imagery. While not every scare lands with equal impact, the overall atmosphere remains consistently uneasy. The game excels at making the player feel like they are trespassing—digging into files they were not meant to open, uncovering fragments of something forgotten or deliberately buried. In terms of pacing, 98xx allows players to move at their own speed. There is no strict order in which programs must be explored, and progression feels organic rather than forced. This open-ended structure supports replay and discussion, as different players may notice different details or interpret events in unique ways. At the same time, the lack of explicit direction may feel aimless to those who prefer clear objectives, making the experience more appealing to players who enjoy self-guided exploration and mystery. Overall, 98xx stands out as a creative and thoughtfully executed blend of retro simulation and psychological horror. It transforms a familiar digital space into something quietly unsettling, using nostalgia not as a comfort but as a tool to lower the player’s guard. While its niche concept and subtle storytelling may not resonate with everyone, players drawn to experimental indie games, ARG-inspired mysteries, or unconventional horror will find it a compelling and memorable descent into a haunted piece of digital history. Rating: 7/10
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only if you like psychological horror if you specifically in an operating system that's supposed to be a psychological war game this is a game for you So if you like hor I would say yes this is recommended
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good game but PLEASE MAKE JUMPING JULIAN EASIER I'VE BEEN SUFFERING MORE THAN THE PEOPLE IN THE LORE PLEASE THIS SI SO HARD THE SPIKES I HATE ALL SPIEKBALLS I'M FORVER TRAUMATIZED OF BALD FICTIONAL CHARACETR JUMPING ON PLATFORMS WITH SPIKEBALLS
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I personally enjoyed this game quite a bit. It's a game you have to really pay attention to everything in order to beat the game. From the detail to the jumpscares I really enjoyed it. It was pretty hard and took awhile but mostly worth it in my opinion.
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I don't know when I found this but i got really into story and the and the gameplay. the moment I can I'm goin to buy every single game this guy makes because I can tell there is talent and care put into it Currently, I can't afford the sequel. but I want to. When I say every game, I mean every game. This guy is a small developer, but I can tell he has talent. a whole lot of it, and it deserves to be seen. by so many people. The story is incredible. Engaging the game play while simple. fits pretty much. I think what he was going for. and I'm really excited to see what other stuff they're cooking up And when I can, I will play Julian and friends live on stream. Keep up the good work. Oh yeah. Until Gerald to cool off. Man, I don't want him giving you a Piece of his mind. I would seriously recommend this if you grew up back when Windows XP was. everywhere like early. windows you will enjoy this Just watch out for Julian. :)
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Frequently Asked Questions
98xx is currently priced at 2.99€ on Steam.
98xx is currently not on sale. You can purchase it for 2.99€ on Steam.
98xx received 251 positive votes out of a total of 314 achieving a rating of 7.46.
😊
98xx was developed by JacksonG13 and published by JacksonGameStudios.
98xx is playable and fully supported on Windows.
98xx is not playable on MacOS.
98xx is not playable on Linux.
98xx is a single-player game.
98xx does not currently offer any DLC.
98xx does not support mods via Steam Workshop.
98xx does not support Steam Remote Play.
98xx is enabled for Steam Family Sharing. This means you can share the game with authorized users from your Steam Library, allowing them to play it on their own accounts. For more details on how the feature works, you can read the original Steam Family Sharing announcement or visit the Steam Family Sharing user guide and FAQ page.
You can find solutions or submit a support ticket by visiting the Steam Support page for 98xx.
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Additionally, we incorporate data from the SteamSpy API, which offers insights into game sales and player statistics. This helps us present a comprehensive view of each game's popularity and performance within the gaming community.
Last Updates| Steam data | 17 January 2026 22:12 |
|---|---|
| SteamSpy data | 28 January 2026 10:22 |
| Steam price | 29 January 2026 04:51 |
| Steam reviews | 28 January 2026 09:48 |
If you'd like to dive deeper into the details about 98xx, we invite you to check out a few dedicated websites that offer extensive information and insights. These platforms provide valuable data, analysis, and user-generated reports to enhance your understanding of the game and its performance.
- SteamDB - A comprehensive database of everything on Steam about 98xx
- SteamCharts - Analysis of 98xx concurrent players on Steam
- ProtonDB - Crowdsourced reports on Linux and Steam Deck 98xx compatibility
Game modes
Features
Online players
2
Developer
JacksonG13
Publisher
JacksonGameStudios
Release
29 May 2023
Platforms