Microsoft Reveals and Retracts Xbox UI Mockup with Steam Games Tab

Microsoft has inadvertently revealed 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 like phones and tablets. A keen observer might notice a small tab labeled "Steam" on one of the screens, which is unusual given that Valve's digital PC storefront typically doesn't integrate directly with Microsoft's gaming hardware.

The image was quickly removed from the post, suggesting that the Xbox team did not intend for it to be public yet. According to The Verge's sources, Microsoft is indeed developing an update that would allow Xbox users to view all their PC games installed through various platforms, including Steam and the Epic Games Store. This feature is still in its early stages, so a rollout is not expected anytime soon.

This accidental reveal aligns with Microsoft's ongoing efforts to integrate Xbox more closely with PC gaming. Over the past decade, Microsoft has been expanding its game availability across different platforms, with titles like Pentiment and Grounded now available 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 blur the lines between Xbox and PC was further emphasized with the launch of the "This is an Xbox" campaign, which highlights the various 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.

Looking ahead, Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, expected in 2027, is rumored to be more akin to a PC than any previous Xbox model, further solidifying the company's commitment to cross-platform gaming.