Microsoft Releases and Retracts Xbox UI Mockup with Steam Games Tab

Microsoft recently unveiled a glimpse of a potential new feature for Xbox through a prematurely published blog post titled “Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox.” As reported by The Verge, the post included an image showcasing Xbox Series X | S consoles alongside various devices. A keen observation revealed a tab labeled “Steam” on some of the screens, suggesting a possible integration with Valve’s PC gaming platform.

The inclusion of Steam in the Xbox UI is surprising, given that Valve’s digital storefront traditionally operates independently from Microsoft's gaming ecosystem. This image was subsequently removed from the blog post, indicating that the feature was not meant to be public yet. According to sources cited by The Verge, Microsoft is indeed developing an update that would allow players to view all their PC games installed across various platforms, including Steam and the Epic Games Store. However, this feature is still in its early stages, and a rollout is not expected anytime soon.

The mention of Steam in an Xbox UI update mockup is significant, especially considering Microsoft's ongoing efforts to expand its gaming presence across multiple platforms. Over the past decade, Microsoft has increasingly released its titles on PC and other consoles, such as Pentiment and Grounded on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. There are also rumors that the Master Chief Collection might eventually make its way to PlayStation.

Microsoft’s strategy to blend Xbox and PC gaming has been evident in recent initiatives like the “This is an Xbox” campaign, which highlights the versatility of devices that can run 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 from Xbox hardware.

Looking ahead, Microsoft's rumored next-generation Xbox, expected in 2027, is said to be more akin to a PC than previous Xbox consoles, further blurring the lines between the two platforms.