Microsoft Unveils and Retracts Xbox UI Design with Steam Games Tab

Microsoft has inadvertently revealed what seems to be an upcoming Xbox UI update, showcasing a feature that would allow players to view all PC games installed via platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store. This intriguing development was prematurely disclosed in a blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox," where an image featuring a "Steam" tab on various devices' screens caught the attention of eagle-eyed readers and was subsequently removed.

Xbox UI image featuring Steam tab. Image courtesy of Microsoft via The Verge.

The inclusion of Steam in an Xbox UI mockup is particularly noteworthy, as Valve's digital PC storefront typically doesn't integrate with Microsoft's gaming hardware in this manner. According to sources cited by The Verge, Microsoft is actively developing this update to not only connect with Steam but also other PC game storefronts. This would enable players to see all their installed games and the platforms they were purchased from. However, it's important to note that this feature is still in the early stages of development, and a rollout is not imminent.

The mention of Steam in an official Xbox UI update, even if accidental, highlights Microsoft's ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between Xbox and PC gaming. Over the past decade, Microsoft has expanded its gaming presence beyond Xbox, bringing titles like Pentiment and Grounded to PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. Rumors also suggest that the Master Chief Collection might soon be available on PlayStation.

Microsoft's strategy to blur the lines between Xbox and PC gaming has been evident in recent initiatives like the "This is an Xbox" campaign, which emphasizes the versatility of devices capable of running Xbox games. In an interview with Polygon last year, Xbox head Phil Spencer hinted at a future where PC stores such as Itch.io and the Epic Games Store could be accessible directly on Xbox hardware.

Looking ahead, Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, expected in 2027, is rumored to be more akin to a PC than any previous Xbox console, further integrating the gaming experiences across different platforms.