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

Microsoft has inadvertently revealed a potential new feature in an upcoming Xbox UI update, which could allow players to view all their PC games installed via Steam, the Epic Games Store, and other platforms. This sneak peek came from a prematurely published blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox." As reported by The Verge, the post included an image showcasing various devices, among which some displayed a "Steam" tab, hinting at integration with Valve's digital PC storefront.

This unexpected detail was quickly removed from the post, suggesting that the Xbox team was not ready to share this feature publicly. According to The Verge's sources, Microsoft is indeed developing an update that would connect users to their game libraries across multiple PC storefronts. This would enable players to see all the games installed on their PCs and identify the platforms from which they were purchased. However, the project is still in its early stages, and any rollout is not expected soon.

The mention of Steam in an official Xbox UI mockup is significant, especially considering Microsoft's ongoing efforts to expand its gaming ecosystem to other platforms. Over the past decade, Microsoft has increasingly brought its titles to PC and other consoles. Notable examples include Pentiment and Grounded being released on 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 blur the lines between Xbox and PC gaming. The recent "This is an Xbox" campaign highlighted 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.

Furthermore, reports suggest that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, expected in 2027, will be more akin to a PC than any previous Xbox model. This aligns with the company's broader strategy to integrate and unify gaming experiences across different platforms.