Microsoft to Bring more Xbox Games to Steam as Next Xbox Reportedly Takes Shape as a PC
Recent reports suggest a significant shift in MicrosoftS gaming strategy,with plans to bring more first-party Xbox titles to Steam and a future Xbox console potentially functioning as a high-end PC.
According to a report by Windows Central’s executive Editor Jez Corden, a survey indicates that 80% of game developers plan to target PC, while 40% will develop for PlayStation 5 and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, and only 20% for Xbox. However, this doesn’t necessarily spell trouble for Microsoft, given their evolving approach to hardware and platform integration.
Corden states that the next xbox will essentially be a PC, with the publishing platform becoming more PC-like. This aligns with Microsoft’s apparent desire to leverage the growing popularity of platforms like Steam.
“But this is exactly why Xbox’s next-gen strategy is critical. The next Xbox is a PC, and the publishing platform will become more PC like along with it,” Corden writes. “With core gamers migrating to Steam at a steady cadence, Microsoft too wants to bring more of its experiences to Windows and Steam alike. I’ve heard some heavy-hitting Xbox first-party experiences, presently not on Steam, will show up there in the coming months.”
While Microsoft, Steam, and game developers have yet to officially confirm these plans, the success of Halo: The Master Chief Collection on Steam demonstrates the potential for other Xbox titles to find a wider audience on the platform. Speculation is rife that popular franchises like Minecraft could also make their debut on Steam.
Furthermore, Corden reiterates previous claims that the next Xbox will resemble a customizable PC, similar to devices like the Razer Blade or Lenovo Legion Go.It’s expected to run Windows with added code to ensure backwards compatibility with existing Xbox games. This suggests Microsoft aims to establish Windows 11 as a universal operating system capable of powering a diverse range of gaming devices under the Xbox umbrella.
The potential move to a PC-based Xbox console and increased presence on Steam signals a significant shift in Microsoft’s gaming strategy, aiming to meet players where they are and capitalize on the growing PC gaming market.