Microsoft recently provided a sneak peek into a potential new feature for Xbox through an unintended leak in a blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox." The post, which was quickly altered after its publication, included an image showcasing various devices, one of which displayed a "Steam" tab on what appeared to be an Xbox interface. This unexpected glimpse was first reported by The Verge, sparking curiosity and speculation across the gaming community.
Xbox UI image featuring Steam tab. Image courtesy of Microsoft via The Verge.
The inclusion of a Steam tab in an Xbox UI mockup is particularly intriguing because Steam, Valve's digital PC storefront, typically doesn't integrate directly with Microsoft's gaming hardware. The image's swift removal from the blog post suggests that the reveal was premature, and the Xbox team was not ready for public scrutiny.
According to sources cited by The Verge, Microsoft is in the early stages of developing a UI update that would not only connect to Steam but also to other PC game storefronts like the Epic Games Store. This update could potentially allow Xbox users to view all PC games installed on their computers, organized by the platforms where they were purchased. However, given the project's early phase, it's uncertain when or if this feature will become available.
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The mention of Steam in an official Xbox context, even if accidental, aligns with Microsoft's broader strategy of cross-platform integration. Over the past decade, Microsoft has increasingly brought its titles to PC and other platforms, as seen with games like Pentiment and Grounded on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. There are also ongoing rumors about the Master Chief Collection potentially making its way to PlayStation.
Microsoft's efforts to blur the lines between Xbox and PC gaming have been evident in recent initiatives. The "This is an Xbox" campaign, launched just months ago, emphasizes the versatility of Xbox gaming across different devices. In an 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 directly through 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 model. This evolution underscores Microsoft's commitment to a seamless gaming experience across platforms, potentially revolutionizing how gamers interact with their libraries across different devices.
