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

Microsoft has inadvertently revealed an upcoming Xbox UI update that promises to revolutionize how players interact with their PC game libraries. In a now-removed blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox," a seemingly innocuous image showcased a new feature: a tab labeled "Steam" on various devices, including Xbox Series X | S consoles, phones, tablets, and TVs. This unexpected glimpse into the future of Xbox was first spotted and shared by The Verge.

The inclusion of a Steam tab in the Xbox UI is particularly intriguing because Valve's digital PC storefront typically doesn't integrate directly with Microsoft's gaming hardware. The image's swift removal from the blog post suggests that the Xbox team was not ready to unveil this feature publicly.

According to The Verge's sources, Microsoft is actively developing an update that will not only connect users to their Steam libraries but also to other PC storefronts like the Epic Games Store. This update would allow players to view all their installed PC games and identify the platforms from which they were purchased. However, the project is still in its early stages, and a rollout is not expected anytime soon.

Xbox Games Series Tier List

The mention of Steam in an official Xbox UI mockup, even if accidental, is significant. Microsoft has been steadily expanding its gaming ecosystem to include PC and other platforms over the past decade. 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's efforts to blur the lines between Xbox and PC gaming have been ongoing. The recent "This is an Xbox" campaign 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.

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.