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, included a small tab labeled "Steam" on various device screens, hinting at a possible integration with Valve's popular PC gaming platform.
Xbox UI image featuring Steam tab. Image courtesy of Microsoft via The Verge.
This unexpected inclusion of Steam in the Xbox UI mockup has sparked significant interest, especially since Steam and Xbox hardware have not traditionally shared such direct functionality. The image was promptly removed from the blog post, suggesting that the reveal was premature and not intended for public viewing at this stage.
According to The Verge's sources, Microsoft is indeed working on a UI update that would not only connect users to their Steam libraries but also to other PC gaming storefronts like the Epic Games Store. This feature would allow players to view all their installed PC games directly from their Xbox console, alongside information on which platform each game was purchased from. However, the development is still in its early stages, and no immediate rollout is expected.
The mention of Steam in an official Xbox context is particularly noteworthy given Microsoft's ongoing efforts to expand its gaming ecosystem across different platforms. Over the past decade, Microsoft has increasingly brought its titles to PC and other consoles, with notable releases like Pentiment and Grounded on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. There are also persistent 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 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 expressed his vision of 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, further integrating the gaming experiences across platforms.
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