Microsoft Briefly Shows Xbox UI with Steam Games Tab, Then Removes It

Microsoft has inadvertently revealed what appears to be an upcoming Xbox UI update that could allow players to view all their PC games installed via Steam, the Epic Games Store, and other platforms. This potential feature was prematurely showcased in a blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox," which was intended to highlight the versatility of Xbox across various devices. An image within the post, which has since been removed, displayed a tab labeled "Steam" on some device screens, sparking curiosity and speculation.

The inclusion of Steam, Valve's prominent PC gaming platform, in an Xbox UI mockup is intriguing, especially since there's no current direct integration between the two. This accidental reveal has been confirmed by The Verge, which cited sources indicating that Microsoft is indeed working on an update to connect users' Xbox consoles to their PC game libraries across multiple storefronts. This would enable players to see all their installed games and track which platforms they were purchased from. However, the project is reportedly still in its early stages, suggesting that a rollout might not happen soon, if at all.

The mention of Steam in this context is significant, especially as Microsoft has been increasingly expanding its gaming presence on PC and other platforms. Notable examples include titles like Pentiment and Grounded being made available on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, with rumors suggesting that the Master Chief Collection might also make its way to PlayStation.

Microsoft's efforts to bridge the gap between Xbox and PC have been evident in recent initiatives, such as the "This is an Xbox" campaign, which emphasizes the ability to play Xbox games across a variety of devices. In an interview with Polygon last year, Xbox head Phil Spencer hinted at a future where other PC stores like Itch.io and the Epic Games Store could be integrated into Xbox hardware.

Looking ahead, reports suggest that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, expected in 2027, will be more akin to a PC than any previous Xbox console, further blurring the lines between gaming ecosystems.

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