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

Microsoft has recently unveiled a glimpse into what might be an upcoming Xbox UI update, allowing players to view all PC games installed via platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store. This revelation came from a prematurely published blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox," which included an image showcasing various devices. A closer look at the image revealed a "Steam" tab on some device screens, sparking interest and speculation.

Although subtle, the inclusion of Steam in an Xbox UI context is intriguing, as Valve's platform doesn't typically integrate with Microsoft's gaming hardware. The image was promptly removed from the blog post, indicating that the reveal was unintentional. According to sources from The Verge, Microsoft is indeed working on an update that would not only connect to Steam but also other PC game storefronts. This would enable players to see all games installed on their PCs and identify the platforms they were purchased from. However, this feature is still in the early stages of development, and no immediate rollout is expected.

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The mention of Steam in an official Xbox UI mockup, even if accidental, is significant. Microsoft has been progressively expanding its gaming ecosystem to include PC and other platforms over the past decade. Notable examples include titles like 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's efforts to merge the Xbox and PC gaming experiences have been evident in recent initiatives. The "This is an Xbox" campaign, launched just months ago, highlights the variety of 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.

Furthermore, reports suggest that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, expected in 2027, will be more akin to a PC than any previous Xbox model, further blurring the lines between console and PC gaming.