Microsoft has unveiled an unexpected development in the gaming sector, announcing plans to integrate the Xbox PC app with “leading PC gaming stores.” This initiative aims to streamline access to games, allowing users to manage their libraries from a single location. The update is initially available to Xbox Insiders this week, as it is still in the testing phase. If all goes well, a broader rollout is anticipated to coincide with the launch of the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X later this year.
The announcement, shared via an Xbox Wire post, indicates that users will be able to launch games from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other significant PC storefronts. However, the absence of Steam from this initial list raises questions about its future integration. Microsoft appears to be working towards a vision where the distinctions between PC and console gaming blur, yet many are left wondering if the PC Xbox app—particularly PC Game Pass—will eventually make its way to Steam.
PC Game Pass on Steam is all I really want
As Microsoft continues its push to unify the Xbox ecosystem, the news of the Xbox PC app’s library aggregation is not entirely surprising. However, it does prompt a critical question: why can’t Microsoft offer Game Pass through Steam? As a long-time subscriber, I firmly believe that Game Pass represents one of the best values in PC gaming today. Yet, the primary hurdle remains the Xbox app for Windows.
Executive Editor Jez Corden noted late last year that while the usability of the Xbox app has improved significantly since its launch, it still falls short of the standards set by Steam. Many users, myself included, have experienced frustrating bugs and slow download speeds that detract from the gaming experience. In contrast, EA Play has successfully integrated with Steam, allowing users to bypass the cumbersome EA App, which has likely contributed to its rising membership numbers. A similar outcome could occur for Game Pass if it were to become available on Steam, as several gamers I know have refrained from subscribing solely due to the limitations of the Xbox app.
What’s stopping Steam and Microsoft from reaching a Game Pass deal?
The primary barrier to bringing PC Game Pass to Steam likely revolves around financial considerations. Valve, Steam’s parent company, takes a percentage of every transaction on its platform, which would presumably extend to Game Pass subscriptions as well. However, would sharing revenue with Valve significantly impact Microsoft’s profits? As of February 2024, Game Pass boasted 34 million subscribers across Xbox and PC, a substantial user base that could potentially expand further if offered on Steam.
Currently, Steam has over 34 million users online, and while there is undoubtedly some overlap between active Steam users and Game Pass subscribers, it stands to reason that new memberships could surge if gamers were given an alternative to the Xbox app. Beyond financial implications, Microsoft may be hesitant to relinquish control over its successful subscription service, especially as it seeks to cultivate its ecosystem for Xbox and PC gamers.
Conversely, Valve might also be reluctant to welcome Game Pass onto its platform, as it could compromise revenue from individual game sales. Ultimately, the prospect of a partnership that benefits both companies—and, more importantly, PC gamers—remains uncertain.
Give the new Xbox PC app aggregated gaming library a try
Despite the ongoing discussions, the new game aggregation feature in the Xbox PC App is visually appealing and worth exploring for those who frequently use the app. Interested users can participate by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub on Windows 11 and signing up for the PC Gaming preview section. The feature is currently rolling out, so it may take some time before it becomes available to all participants. Users will have the flexibility to select which third-party storefronts they wish to display in their app.
What are your thoughts on the potential for Game Pass to come to Steam? Would it encourage you to subscribe? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Forget about Steam in the Xbox PC app — I want Game Pass in the app I actually use
Microsoft has unveiled an unexpected development in the gaming sector, announcing plans to integrate the Xbox PC app with “leading PC gaming stores.” This initiative aims to streamline access to games, allowing users to manage their libraries from a single location. The update is initially available to Xbox Insiders this week, as it is still in the testing phase. If all goes well, a broader rollout is anticipated to coincide with the launch of the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X later this year.
The announcement, shared via an Xbox Wire post, indicates that users will be able to launch games from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other significant PC storefronts. However, the absence of Steam from this initial list raises questions about its future integration. Microsoft appears to be working towards a vision where the distinctions between PC and console gaming blur, yet many are left wondering if the PC Xbox app—particularly PC Game Pass—will eventually make its way to Steam.
PC Game Pass on Steam is all I really want
As Microsoft continues its push to unify the Xbox ecosystem, the news of the Xbox PC app’s library aggregation is not entirely surprising. However, it does prompt a critical question: why can’t Microsoft offer Game Pass through Steam? As a long-time subscriber, I firmly believe that Game Pass represents one of the best values in PC gaming today. Yet, the primary hurdle remains the Xbox app for Windows.
Executive Editor Jez Corden noted late last year that while the usability of the Xbox app has improved significantly since its launch, it still falls short of the standards set by Steam. Many users, myself included, have experienced frustrating bugs and slow download speeds that detract from the gaming experience. In contrast, EA Play has successfully integrated with Steam, allowing users to bypass the cumbersome EA App, which has likely contributed to its rising membership numbers. A similar outcome could occur for Game Pass if it were to become available on Steam, as several gamers I know have refrained from subscribing solely due to the limitations of the Xbox app.
What’s stopping Steam and Microsoft from reaching a Game Pass deal?
The primary barrier to bringing PC Game Pass to Steam likely revolves around financial considerations. Valve, Steam’s parent company, takes a percentage of every transaction on its platform, which would presumably extend to Game Pass subscriptions as well. However, would sharing revenue with Valve significantly impact Microsoft’s profits? As of February 2024, Game Pass boasted 34 million subscribers across Xbox and PC, a substantial user base that could potentially expand further if offered on Steam.
Currently, Steam has over 34 million users online, and while there is undoubtedly some overlap between active Steam users and Game Pass subscribers, it stands to reason that new memberships could surge if gamers were given an alternative to the Xbox app. Beyond financial implications, Microsoft may be hesitant to relinquish control over its successful subscription service, especially as it seeks to cultivate its ecosystem for Xbox and PC gamers.
Conversely, Valve might also be reluctant to welcome Game Pass onto its platform, as it could compromise revenue from individual game sales. Ultimately, the prospect of a partnership that benefits both companies—and, more importantly, PC gamers—remains uncertain.
Give the new Xbox PC app aggregated gaming library a try
Despite the ongoing discussions, the new game aggregation feature in the Xbox PC App is visually appealing and worth exploring for those who frequently use the app. Interested users can participate by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub on Windows 11 and signing up for the PC Gaming preview section. The feature is currently rolling out, so it may take some time before it becomes available to all participants. Users will have the flexibility to select which third-party storefronts they wish to display in their app.
What are your thoughts on the potential for Game Pass to come to Steam? Would it encourage you to subscribe? Share your opinions in the comments below!