Microsoft Rumored to Test Steam Integration on Xbox, Redefining Gaming Consoles

Here's a summary of the recent news and rumors about Microsoft allegedly testing Steam integration within the Microsoft Store, and what this could mean for Xbox and PC gaming:
Rumor Origin:
The source of the rumor is a known industry insider, eXtas1s, who claims that Microsoft is internally testing bringing the Steam app to Xbox through the Microsoft Store. The internal version is labeled as "Steam Developer Beta" and is currently only accessible to Microsoft employees and partners.
Potential Impact:

• If this rumor is true, Xbox Series X and S owners might be able to access Steam’s large game library directly from their consoles via the Microsoft Store.
• Microsoft’s broader vision, reportedly, is to blur the lines between console gaming and PC gaming, making their next-generation Xbox "more like a PC than a console." This could facilitate better cooperation between Xbox's ecosystem and Steam’s PC game platform.
• No official confirmation has come from Microsoft or Valve as of yet.

Community Context:

• This is not the first time such rumors have appeared. Similar speculation circulated last year.
• The idea aligns well with statements by Phil Spencer (Head of Xbox) about wanting Xbox to support other storefronts like Epic and Steam.
• Gamers are both excited and skeptical, with hopes that it could reduce the current fragmentation in digital game marketplaces.

Speculative Aspects and Questions Raised:

• It’s still unclear how purchases and game licensing would work, given potential "double tax" situations (purchasing via both Microsoft and Steam).
• True cross-ecosystem support might face technical and business hurdles, including controller optimization, UI changes, and ensuring developer/publisher support for Steam games running on Xbox hardware.

What’s Next?

• According to the insider, early results of Steam integration could surface later this year.
• Industry observers are watching for announcements or leaks confirming wider testing or public trials.

Summary:
While unconfirmed, this rumor—backed by internal evidence—suggests that Microsoft is seriously pursuing a much deeper level of integration between Xbox and Steam, which could dramatically change the digital gaming landscape on consoles in the near future.
For more details, you can read the full article on Windows Report:
Source: Windows Report - Microsoft allegedly testing Steam integration within Microsoft Store

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Source: Windows Report Microsoft allegedly testing Steam integration within Microsoft Store