Microsoft Reveals and Retracts Xbox UI Mockup with Steam Games Tab

Microsoft has inadvertently revealed a potential new feature for the Xbox UI that could allow players to view all PC games installed via various platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store. This unexpected glimpse into future updates came from a blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox," which showcased an image of Xbox Series X | S consoles alongside other devices. A closer look at the image, as pointed out by The Verge, revealed a "Steam" tab on some of the screens, hinting at a possible integration.

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

Although subtle, the inclusion of Steam in the Xbox UI image is intriguing, especially since Valve's platform typically doesn't intersect with Microsoft's gaming hardware in this manner. The image was quickly removed from the post, suggesting it was an unintentional leak. Sources from The Verge confirmed that Microsoft is indeed exploring a UI update that would connect users' Xbox to their PC game libraries across multiple storefronts, though the project is still in its early stages.

This development aligns with Microsoft's broader strategy over the past decade to expand its gaming ecosystem beyond traditional Xbox consoles. Notable efforts include bringing titles like Pentiment and Grounded to PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, with rumors suggesting that the Master Chief Collection might also make its way to PlayStation.

Microsoft has been actively working to integrate Xbox and PC gaming experiences more seamlessly. The "This is an Xbox" campaign launched recently emphasizes the versatility of Xbox games across different devices. In an interview with Polygon, Xbox head Phil Spencer hinted at a future where PC storefronts like Itch.io and the Epic Games Store might be directly accessible on Xbox hardware.

Furthermore, reports indicate that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, expected in 2027, will resemble a PC more than any previous Xbox model, further blurring the lines between console and PC gaming.

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