A new leak claims that Microsoft is now doing internal tests to add Steam on to the Microsoft store.
The most likely interpretation of this leak is that it’s more likely now that Steam titles could become available on the Microsoft Store through backend linking rather than full client integration. This opens up a number of possibilities such as cross-library syncing, shared achievements and maybe even smoother cross-platform multiplayer.
But there are a few concerns as well. A few people on Reddit are pointing out that this could shift third-party developers away from the Xbox Store altogether. Others think that this is part of Microsoft’s vision of a more open, platform-agnostic future, especially with the Xbox handheld which has been teased and discussed by head of Xbox, Phil Spencer.
But there is another question to be asked if Xbox actually does open up to Steam, what stops Sony or Nintendo from blocking access to cross-platformed games on their platforms? Valve may face the same pressure as Nvidia did when Sony asked them to block GeForce Now support for PlayStation content.
In other news, from this week, Xbox Insiders will notice a fresh set of customisation options rolling out to the recently played games and apps list on Home. Xbox did this to make Home more personal, flexible and responsive to feedback.
In this new update, Home is getting three new settings which will allow users to:
- Hide System Apps
- Pin Favourites to Home
- Reduce Tile Count
The Reduce Tile Count hasn’t come out yet, but is expected to be coming to very soon.