Microsoft is about to bring a major game of the brand to Steam

Windows Central claims that in the coming months some "high-impact first-party Xbox experiences" will arrive on Steam.

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Jez Corden, one of the most influential voices in the Microsoft information environment, has revealed through Windows Central that Xbox will bring “very impactful” experiences to Steam in the coming months. And, of course, all eyes are on the same spot. Minecraft, the last major bastion that Microsoft has to bring to Valve’s store, could be just around the corner.

The move makes perfect sense if we look at the current landscape. Microsoft is fully aware that gamers are moving en masse to Steam and doesn’t want to be left out of the party. But beware, this is not just about releasing games for the sake of it; according to Corden, the strategy goes much further and directly targets the hardware. The idea is that the “next Xbox” will be, in all respects, a PC. Forget about the traditional closed console; the future seems to be heading towards an OEM-style device, like a Razer or a Legion Go, with full Windows and complete compatibility with what you already have.

The Challenge of Popularity and Ecosystem

However, not everything is rosy on the horizon for the Americans. Corden hasn’t minced words in pointing out that the company is going through a serious unpopularity phase, and that’s a major concern. No matter how technically they’re on par with PlayStation, the “goodwill” of developers is key, and Xbox still has a lot of work to do in that regard. If you add to this that the Xbox app on PC is still a major headache, where if you’re not looking for something on Game Pass, it seems like nothing else exists, the situation becomes complicated.

It’s frustrating to see how the app itself hides paid games from you or promotes titles you already have in your library. The shift towards a more open PC-like platform could be the definitive solution to stop fighting with labels, offering a much more natural experience for the average user.

Minecraft: The Last Major Success Missing from Steam

Minecraft coming to Steam would be a masterstroke. It’s the only major success from Microsoft that hasn’t stepped foot on Valve’s platform yet, and its arrival would mean a massive influx of revenue and users. Microsoft needs Xbox to remain relevant, and if that means publishing its crown jewel on the competition’s platform, it will do so without hesitation. In the end, what they’re looking for is to be where the gamers are, and right now, that place is Steam.

Personally, I think this approach of turning the console into a PC is the right path. It would remove many absurd limitations and allow us to enjoy the best of both worlds without having to “choose sides,” although, of course, I personally don’t want to give up the current console experience. Let’s see how they solve this. We’ll be keeping a close eye on what happens in the coming months.