- Microsoft confirms the integration of Steam and other platforms in the app Xbox for PC.
- The unified library feature will be available to Insiders and, later, to all users.
- The next generation of Xbox consoles will feature an open ecosystem compatible with multiple stores.
- Games can be managed from a single location, improving the user experience.
Microsoft doubles down on creating a truly open gaming ecosystem and has just confirmed a long-awaited move by PC gamers: the official integration of Steam and other digital stores within the Xbox app for WindowsThis decision marks a significant change in how PC users will be able to manage, access, and launch their games regardless of where they purchased them.
It's not just a simple interface tweak. With this feature, The Xbox app's game library becomes a true hub where titles from Steam, Xbox Store, Game Pass, Battle.net, are grouped together. Epic Games Store and other compatible platforms. This makes it easier for those who used to navigate between different launchers to access their collection, since Now you can view and launch all your games from a single application., both on PC and on new devices portable equipped with Windows, such as the ROG Xbox Ally.
How the integration works and who can access it
The feature is initially available to users in the Xbox Insider Program., who can now automatically see all the titles installed on their system, including those from Steam, in the "My Library" section of the Xbox app for Windows. They also appear in the "Most Recent" list, making it more convenient to resume playing or open newly installed games. This integration is expected to reach all users before the end of the year, extending not only to traditional PCs but also to gaming laptops like the ROG Xbox Ally and its X version.
The system It does not replace Steam or other platforms.; simply adds them to the library, allowing you to manage all your collections from a single location. If you prefer, you can hide specific stores from your settings, providing a more personalized and organized experience. Purchasing games is still done through each specific store, but access and management are centralized.
One step closer to an open, multi-device ecosystem
This integration is part of a more global strategy by Microsoft to Eliminate the classic barriers between platforms and digital storesAccording to various sources and statements from the Xbox team itself, the intention is to transform both the Xbox app on Windows and the next generation of consoles into spaces where players can enjoy their titles regardless of their origin. Thus, the future Xbox, which will have hardware from AMD and an even stronger presence of the Artificial Intelligence, will also allow access to several game stores, including Steam and potentially the Epic Games Store.
Thus, Players will be able to take their Steam and Xbox libraries with them wherever they go. Not just on PCs, but on laptops and future consoles, almost completely erasing the boundaries between platforms. Microsoft's move seeks to address both the fragmentation of launchers on PCs and rivals like SteamOS, and reinforces Windows' position as the leading platform for video games.
Advantages and next steps
Among the highlights of this integration, Players can organize and access all their games from a single launcher, filter by publisher, customize store visibility, and enjoy a faster, smoother experience when launching games.
Microsoft has confirmed that There More compatible platforms will arrive, and that the centralized experience could be extended to unified notifications, achievements, or even cloud saves across different stores if developers allow it.
To try this feature now, simply join the Xbox Insider Program through the Insider Hub app on Windows and follow the prompts to activate the preview of the new library. Microsoft encourages participants to provide feedback and suggestions, which are essential for fine-tuning the program before the official rollout to everyone.
With this initiative, centralizing game libraries in the Xbox app improves the user experience for PC players and sets an important precedent for what we'll see on consoles in the near future. Microsoft continues to advance toward a more flexible and accessible ecosystem, allowing for much more convenient and universal management of digital catalogs, with the goal of facilitating access and expanding user options.
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