Microsoft has inadvertently revealed a potential new feature in the Xbox UI that could allow players to view all their PC games installed via various platforms, including Steam and the Epic Games Store. This glimpse into the future of Xbox was spotted in a now-removed image from a Microsoft blog post titled "Opening a Billion Doors with Xbox," which showcased different devices with a "Steam" tab visible on some screens.

This unexpected inclusion of Steam in an Xbox context is intriguing, given that Valve’s platform typically does not integrate directly with Microsoft's gaming hardware. The image was quickly taken down, suggesting that the feature might not have been intended for public viewing at this stage.

According to sources cited by The Verge, Microsoft is indeed developing an update to connect Xbox users with their libraries across multiple PC storefronts. This would allow players to see all their installed games and the platforms they were purchased from. However, the project is still in its early stages, and no immediate rollout is expected.

The mention of Steam in an official Xbox UI mockup, even if accidental, underscores Microsoft's ongoing efforts to integrate its ecosystem with other gaming platforms. Over the past decade, Microsoft has expanded its reach by bringing titles like Pentiment and Grounded to PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, with rumors suggesting that the Master Chief Collection might also make its way to PlayStation.

Microsoft's strategy to blur the lines between Xbox and PC gaming has been evident in recent initiatives, such as the "This is an Xbox" campaign, which highlights the versatility of Xbox gaming across multiple devices. 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 on Xbox hardware.

Looking ahead, reports suggest that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, expected in 2027, will be more akin to a PC than any previous Xbox console, further bridging the gap between the two platforms.