Microsoft Reveals and Retracts Xbox UI Mockup with Steam Games Tab

Microsoft has inadvertently revealed a potential new feature in a forthcoming Xbox UI update, which could allow players to view all their PC games installed via platforms like Steam, the Epic Games Store, and others. This unexpected glimpse into the future of Xbox was disclosed through an image in a blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox." The image, which has since been removed, showcased various devices including Xbox Series X | S consoles, and subtly featured a "Steam" tab on some screens.

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

This discovery was initially reported by The Verge, which highlighted the unusual inclusion of Steam, Valve's digital PC storefront, in an Xbox context. The image's removal suggests that Microsoft may have shared this detail prematurely.

According to sources cited by The Verge, Microsoft is actively developing this UI update to integrate not just Steam but other PC gaming platforms as well. This would enable users to see all their installed games across different PC storefronts directly from their Xbox interface. However, the project is still in its early stages, indicating that a rollout might not be imminent.

The mention of Steam in an official Xbox UI mockup is significant, especially given Microsoft's ongoing efforts to expand its gaming ecosystem beyond traditional Xbox consoles. Over the past decade, Microsoft has increasingly brought its titles to PC and other platforms, with games like Pentiment and Grounded appearing on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. There are also rumors that the Master Chief Collection might eventually make its way to PlayStation.

Microsoft has been actively blurring the lines between Xbox and PC gaming. The recent "This is an Xbox" campaign underscores this shift by highlighting the various devices on which players can enjoy Xbox games. In an interview with Polygon last year, 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.

Moreover, reports suggest that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, expected around 2027, will be more akin to a PC than any previous Xbox model, further integrating the gaming experiences across different platforms.