Microsoft has inadvertently revealed a potential new feature for Xbox consoles that could revolutionize how players interact with their PC game libraries. In a now-edited blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox," an image showcased a glimpse of an upcoming Xbox UI update. The image, which was quickly spotted and shared by The Verge, displayed various devices including Xbox Series X | S consoles, phones, tablets, and TVs. Upon closer inspection, a small tab labeled "Steam" was visible on some of the screens, hinting at a possible integration with Valve's popular PC gaming platform.
This unexpected inclusion of Steam in an Xbox UI mockup is intriguing, especially since there's no current functionality linking Valve's digital storefront directly with Microsoft's gaming hardware. The image was promptly removed from the blog post, suggesting that the reveal was unintentional. According to The Verge, Microsoft is indeed exploring a UI update that would not only connect to Steam but also to other PC gaming platforms like the Epic Games Store. This feature would allow players to view all their installed PC games and the respective storefronts from which they were purchased. However, the project is reportedly in its early stages, and no immediate rollout is expected.
The mention of Steam in an official Xbox context is significant, especially given Microsoft's recent efforts to expand its gaming ecosystem across multiple platforms. Over the past decade, Microsoft has increasingly brought its titles to PC and other consoles, with games like Pentiment and Grounded now available on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. There are also ongoing rumors about the Master Chief Collection potentially making its way to PlayStation.
Microsoft's strategy to blur the lines between Xbox and PC gaming has been evident in recent initiatives. The "This is an Xbox" campaign, launched just months ago, emphasizes the versatility of devices on which players can enjoy Xbox games. In an interview with Polygon last year, Xbox head Phil Spencer hinted at a future where PC stores like Itch.io and the Epic Games Store could be accessible directly on Xbox hardware.
Looking further 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 development aligns with the company's vision of a more integrated gaming experience across different platforms and devices.
