Microsoft has inadvertently revealed an upcoming Xbox UI update that could integrate PC game libraries from platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store directly into the Xbox interface. This surprising development was first spotted in a now-edited blog post titled “Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox,” where an image showcased a "Steam" tab alongside Xbox Series X | S consoles and various other devices.
Xbox UI image featuring Steam tab. Image courtesy of Microsoft via The Verge.
While the image was quickly removed, the implications are significant. According to The Verge, Microsoft is exploring a feature that would allow Xbox users to view all their installed PC games from different digital storefronts within the Xbox UI. This move is still in its early stages, and no immediate rollout is expected.
The inclusion of Steam in an official Xbox UI mockup underscores Microsoft's ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between Xbox and PC gaming. Over the past decade, Microsoft has expanded its game offerings to other platforms, with titles such as Pentiment and Grounded available on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. There are also persistent rumors about the Master Chief Collection making its way to PlayStation.
Microsoft's strategy to blur the lines between Xbox and PC gaming was further highlighted by the "This is an Xbox" campaign, which emphasizes the variety of devices on which players can enjoy Xbox games. In a previous interview with Polygon, Xbox head Phil Spencer hinted at a future where PC stores like Itch.io and the Epic Games Store could be accessible on Xbox hardware.
Looking ahead, reports suggest that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, expected in 2027, will resemble a PC more closely than any previous Xbox console, indicating a continued convergence of gaming ecosystems.
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