Microsoft Releases and Retracts Xbox UI Mockup with Steam Tab

Microsoft has inadvertently revealed a potential new feature for Xbox consoles through 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, including Xbox Series X | S consoles, phones, and tablets. Upon closer examination, a small tab labeled "Steam" was visible on some of the device screens, hinting at an upcoming UI update that could integrate PC game libraries from Steam, the Epic Games Store, and possibly other platforms into the Xbox interface.

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

This unexpected glimpse into Microsoft's plans has since been removed from the blog post, suggesting that the feature was not meant for public eyes just yet. According to The Verge, Microsoft is still in the early stages of developing this update, which would allow Xbox users to view all their installed PC games and the respective storefronts they were purchased from. While there's no immediate rollout expected, the idea of such integration is intriguing.

The inclusion of Steam in an official Xbox UI mockup is significant, especially considering Microsoft's ongoing efforts to expand its gaming ecosystem across different platforms. In recent years, Microsoft has made several of its titles available on PC and other consoles, such as Pentiment and Grounded 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 gaming has been evident in initiatives like the "This is an Xbox" campaign, which highlights the versatility of Xbox gaming across various devices. In an interview with Polygon, Xbox head Phil Spencer expressed interest in integrating PC stores like Itch.io and the Epic Games Store directly into Xbox hardware.

Looking further ahead, Microsoft's rumored next-gen Xbox, expected in 2027, is said to be more akin to a PC than any previous Xbox model, further emphasizing the company's commitment to a unified gaming experience across platforms.

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