Microsoft Unveils and Retracts Xbox UI Mockup with Steam Games Tab

Microsoft has inadvertently revealed what seems to be a new Xbox UI update in development, allowing players to view all their PC games installed via platforms like Steam, the Epic Games Store, and more. This sneak peek came from a prematurely published blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox." As reported by The Verge, the post initially featured an image of Xbox Series X | S consoles alongside various devices. A closer look at the image revealed a small "Steam" tab on some of the screens, which is unusual given Valve's digital PC storefront doesn't typically integrate with Microsoft's gaming hardware in this manner. The image was quickly removed from the post, indicating the Xbox team's desire to keep this feature under wraps.

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

According to The Verge's sources, Microsoft is actively developing this UI update, which aims to connect users not just to their Steam library but also to other PC game storefronts. This would enable players to see all games installed on their PCs and identify the platforms from which they were purchased. However, the project is still in its early stages, and a rollout should not be anticipated in the near future.

The inclusion of Steam in an official Xbox UI mockup, even if accidental, is noteworthy. Over the past decade, Microsoft has been gradually expanding its gaming ecosystem to include PC and other platforms. 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 soon appear on PlayStation consoles.

Microsoft's efforts to merge Xbox and PC gaming experiences have been evident in recent years. The company launched the "This is an Xbox" campaign to highlight 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 resemble a PC more than any previous Xbox model, further blurring the lines between these platforms.