Microsoft has inadvertently revealed a potential new feature for Xbox consoles that could allow players to view all their PC games installed via various platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store. This glimpse into the future of Xbox UI was spotted in a now-removed image from a Microsoft blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox," as reported by The Verge. The image showcased a variety of devices, including Xbox Series X | S consoles, with one screen subtly displaying a "Steam" tab.
This unexpected inclusion of Steam in an Xbox UI mockup is intriguing, especially since Valve's platform typically doesn't integrate directly with Microsoft's gaming hardware. The swift removal of the image from the blog post suggests that the feature was not meant to be public yet. According to The Verge, Microsoft is in the early stages of developing this update, which aims to connect users' Xbox consoles to their PC game libraries across multiple storefronts. However, no immediate rollout is expected as the project is still in its infancy.
The mention of Steam in an official Xbox context is noteworthy, especially given Microsoft's recent 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 games like Pentiment and Grounded now available on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. There are also ongoing rumors about the Master Chief Collection potentially coming to PlayStation.
Microsoft's strategy to blur the lines between Xbox and PC gaming has been evident in recent initiatives. The "This is an Xbox" campaign, launched just months ago, highlights 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.
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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