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

Microsoft has inadvertently revealed a potential new feature for the Xbox UI that could allow players to view all PC games installed from various digital storefronts such as Steam and the Epic Games Store. This revelation came from a prematurely published blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox," which included an image showcasing a "Steam" tab on various devices.

The image, which has since been removed from the post, sparked curiosity due to its inclusion of Steam, a platform not typically associated with Xbox hardware in this manner. According to The Verge, Microsoft is reportedly in the early stages of developing an update that would enable users to access their game libraries across multiple PC storefronts directly from their Xbox.

This move aligns with Microsoft's broader strategy of integrating Xbox and PC ecosystems. Over the past decade, Microsoft has expanded its gaming presence on PC and other platforms. Notable examples include titles like Pentiment and Grounded, which are 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 efforts to merge the Xbox and PC experiences have been evident in initiatives like the "This is an Xbox" campaign, which highlights the variety of devices on which players can enjoy Xbox games. 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 on Xbox hardware.

Looking ahead, reports suggest that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, expected in 2027, will resemble a PC more closely than any previous Xbox model. This development underscores Microsoft's ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between console and PC gaming.