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

Microsoft has recently given gamers a sneak peek into a potential future Xbox UI update, which was inadvertently revealed in a blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox." As reported by The Verge, an image included in the post showcased various devices, including Xbox Series X | S consoles, alongside a small but significant tab labeled "Steam." This detail, although subtle, caught the attention of eagle-eyed readers, prompting Microsoft to remove the image swiftly.

The presence of a Steam tab in an Xbox UI is intriguing, especially since Valve's digital PC storefront traditionally hasn't integrated directly with Microsoft's gaming hardware in this manner. According to The Verge's sources, Microsoft is actively working on a feature that would allow Xbox users to view all their PC games installed through various platforms, including Steam and the Epic Games Store. This development is still in its early stages, so a rollout might not happen soon, if at all.

The inadvertent reveal of Steam in an official Xbox UI mockup is particularly noteworthy given Microsoft's recent efforts to expand its gaming ecosystem across multiple platforms. Over the past decade, Microsoft has brought titles like Pentiment and Grounded to PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, with rumors swirling about the Master Chief Collection possibly coming to PlayStation. This move aligns with Microsoft's ongoing strategy to blur the lines between Xbox and PC gaming.

Just months ago, Microsoft launched the "This is an Xbox" campaign, highlighting the variety of 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 through Xbox hardware. Moreover, reports suggest that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, expected in 2027, will be more akin to a PC than any previous Xbox model.

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