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| Microsoft could stop releasing future Xbox games on Steam. The rumor has been met with strong opposition from the PC gaming community. |
Rumors suggest Xbox maker may eventually pull games from Valve's platform to strengthen its own ecosystem
In a development that has sent shockwaves through the PC gaming community, a prominent Microsoft insider has suggested that the company could potentially remove its games from Steam in the future. The revelation, which remains unconfirmed, points to a broader strategy that would see Microsoft double down on its own PC storefront at the expense of its relationship with Valve's dominant platform.
What We Know So Far
During a recent appearance on the Rand al Thor 19 podcast, Windows Central's Jez Corden addressed a viewer question about whether Microsoft might eventually withdraw its games from Steam. The question specifically asked whether this could happen around the launch of Microsoft's next-generation Xbox hardware or perhaps a few years later when its own PC storefront is in a stronger position.
Corden responded that he possesses "interesting information" about Microsoft's future PC strategy but declined to elaborate, citing uncertainty about whether he was permitted to discuss it publicly. The insider did reveal that Microsoft has specific plans for how it wants to position itself on PC moving forward, and in his view, these plans could eventually provide the company with the option to move away from Steam.
However, Corden was careful to frame this as personal speculation rather than confirmation of an actual plan. He stated that such a move would not surprise him while simultaneously acknowledging that he doesn't yet know what Microsoft's reported PC strategy would ultimately mean for Steam partnerships.
The Bigger Picture: Microsoft's Four-Pillar Strategy
What is known with greater certainty is that strengthening Microsoft's own hardware represents one of the four pillars of the company's future Xbox strategy. Making more Xbox titles exclusive to its own ecosystem by leaving Steam would certainly align with this broader vision.
The move would represent a significant shift from Microsoft's current approach. In recent years, the company has embraced a more open philosophy, releasing titles simultaneously on both its Xbox Store and Steam. Major releases like Halo Infinite, Starfield, and Forza Horizon 5 have all found success on Valve's platform, which remains the dominant PC gaming storefront.
Community Reaction: Skepticism and Criticism
The PC gaming community has responded with overwhelming skepticism to the rumor. On Reddit, where the speculation has been widely discussed, users have pointed to numerous technical issues and poor past experiences with the Xbox app. Many have declared they would refuse to purchase games directly through Microsoft's storefront if such a move were implemented.
Watch the Full Discussion
For those interested in hearing the complete podcast conversation, the full episode featuring Jez Corden's comments is available here.
Historical Precedent: Lessons from EA and Ubisoft
Community members have been quick to draw parallels with previous attempts by major publishers to push PC gamers toward proprietary launchers. Both EA and Ubisoft attempted similar strategies, initially making their titles exclusive to their own platforms before eventually returning to Steam.
EA's Origin store and Ubisoft's Uplay (now Ubisoft Connect) both faced significant resistance from PC gamers who preferred the convenience and features of Steam. The technical issues, download speeds, and user experience problems that plagued these platforms ultimately hurt sales before the publishers reversed course.
The Sales Dilemma
While some Reddit users expressed understanding of Microsoft's potential reasoning, the prevailing opinion suggests that any sales loss from leaving Steam would likely outweigh benefits gained from strengthening the Xbox platform through exclusives or avoiding Valve's revenue share.
Steam's massive user base and established infrastructure have made it the preferred platform for PC gamers worldwide. The platform boasts over 120 million active monthly users, representing a distribution channel that would be difficult for Microsoft to replicate, even with significant investment.
What's Next for Xbox on PC?
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Microsoft faces a delicate balancing act between building its own ecosystem and maintaining accessibility for PC gamers. The company has invested heavily in its Xbox app and Game Pass subscription service, which has gained significant traction in recent years.
However, completely severing ties with Steam would represent a substantial risk. The backlash from the PC gaming community could damage Microsoft's reputation, while the potential sales impact could be significant. The company reported record revenues from its gaming division in recent quarters, with PC game sales contributing meaningfully to that growth.
For now, gamers will have to wait for official confirmation or denial from Microsoft. The company has not publicly commented on Corden's remarks, and it remains unclear whether these plans represent a distant possibility or a more immediate intention.
One thing is certain: any move to remove Microsoft's games from Steam would represent one of the most significant shifts in PC gaming distribution in years, with implications for developers, publishers, and gamers alike.