Microsoft Publishes and Pulls Xbox UI Mockup Featuring a Tab for Steam Games

Microsoft has inadvertently revealed a potential new feature for Xbox consoles through a prematurely published blog post titled “Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox.” The post, as reported by The Verge, included an image showcasing various devices, one of which displayed a "Steam" tab within the Xbox UI. This unexpected glimpse into the future of Xbox functionality has since been removed from the post, suggesting it was not meant for public eyes just yet.

The inclusion of Steam, a prominent PC gaming platform, in an Xbox UI update is significant because it hints at Microsoft's plans to integrate multiple PC game storefronts into the Xbox ecosystem. According to The Verge, sources have confirmed that Microsoft is in the early stages of developing a UI update that would allow players to view all PC games installed across various platforms, including Steam and the Epic Games Store. While this feature is still in development and not expected to roll out imminently, it underscores Microsoft's ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between Xbox and PC gaming.

Microsoft has been progressively expanding its gaming presence beyond its own platforms. In recent years, titles like Pentiment and Grounded have been released on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, while rumors suggest that the Master Chief Collection may also make its way to PlayStation. This trend aligns with Microsoft's broader strategy to make Xbox gaming more accessible across different devices, as highlighted by the "This is an Xbox" campaign launched earlier this year. In an interview with Polygon, Xbox head Phil Spencer even hinted at the possibility of integrating PC stores like Itch.io and the Epic Games Store directly into Xbox hardware.

Looking further ahead, Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, rumored to launch in 2027, is expected to be more akin to a PC than any previous Xbox console. This evolution reflects Microsoft's commitment to blurring the lines between console and PC gaming, promising a more unified gaming experience for players across all platforms.