8 hours ago
Xbox App For PC Now Integrates Your Steam Games
The Xbox App on PC is now integrating purchased titles from people's gaming libraries across various supported storefronts, including Steam, Microsoft said in a press release on Monday. This feature is currently limited to those in the Xbox Insider program, which gives early access to software updates. Windows users can get access to the Xbox Insider Hub here.
The update aggregates all titles across supported PC gaming storefronts to turn the Xbox App into a universal launcher. This is especially handy for users who buy games on Steam, and other storefronts. Microsoft didn't provide a full list of which storefronts are currently supported.
A representative for Microsoft didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Xbox as universal gaming hub
The push for Xbox to become a universal gaming hub rather than a distinct separate environment comes as Microsoft hasn't been able to gain ground against PlayStation and Nintendo. As of September 2024, the Sony PlayStation 5 has sold 61.7 million units versus Xbox' 28.3 million, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal citing Aldora Intelligence.
To chart the future of Xbox, Microsoft seems to be taking a more egalitarian approach. Last week, Microsoft said that it's actively developing its next generation gaming ecosystem, which will encompass console, handheld, PC and Cloud. This falls in line with Xbox' recent marketing strategy of calling every screen you own an Xbox. Rumors are even pointing to an Xbox-branded Meta Quest 3S headset.
Xbox president Sarah Bond said that the Xbox division is working closely with the Windows team to ensure that "Windows is the number-one platform for gaming." This implies that the next Xbox might resemble something closer to a gaming PC. A vision of this experience was shown at the Xbox Games Showcase earlier this month with the reveal of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally handheld.
