Xbox no longer offers Steam integration within its PC app; user seeks Game Pass integration in preferred app instead.
Revamped Article:
Xbox's latest gaming move is giving PC enthusiasts a reason to cheer - and ask for more. In a surprising twist, Microsoft announced they're integrating the Xbox PC app with popular PC gaming stores, promising one-stop gaming convenience.
This announcement, initially made to the Xbox Insiders, signals a testing phase. But if all goes well, the integration could launch in time for the expected debut of the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X later this year.
As expected, the announcement left the Steam market buzzing. Initial fears that Steam wouldn't be part of the integration were assuaged as gamers jumped onto the Insider program to test the new feature. To everyone's satisfaction, the Steam library is now accessible within the Xbox app on PC.
The response to the news has been overwhelmingly positive. Streamlining the gaming process is a breath of fresh air, and it's clear that Xbox is serious about blurring the lines between PC and console gaming.
However, that's not enough for many gamers. The longing for PC Game Pass on Steam persists.
A Question of Synergy: PC Game Pass on Steam
With Microsoft's focus on turning everything into an Xbox and signs of an Xbox singularity, where the Xbox console and PCs become indistinguishable, the Xbox PC app library aggregation doesn't come as a shock.
The first thought that crossed my mind when reading the news? "Why can't Microsoft bring Game Pass to Steam?"
I've been a loyal Game Pass subscriber and believe it's one of the best values in PC gaming today. The one problem I have with PC Game Pass? The Xbox app for Windows.
Executive Editor Jez Corden eloquently summed up the app's issues late last year, acknowledging Microsoft's substantial improvements since its initial launch but expressing that it still falls short of Steam's high standards (and my expectations).
I've endured my fair share of battles with the app, contending with bugs and slow download speeds that have turned gaming sessions into troubleshooting sessions.
EA's gaming subscription service, EA Play, is available on Steam, and I wouldn't be surprised if we saw memberships skyrocket now that the horrific EA App can be side-stepped. I also don't doubt that I'm not the only Game Pass-less gamer because they'd have to use the Windows Xbox app.
What Stands in the Way of PC Game Pass and Steam?
The primary challenge to uniting PC Game Pass and Steam likely boils down to greenbacks. Valve, Steam's parent company, takes a cut of every game sold through its platform, and I can't imagine that'd change for new and recurring Game Pass subscriptions.
But taking a cut of the profits doesn't seem like it'd dent Microsoft's earnings. According to reports, Game Pass boasted 34 million subscribers in February 2024. While the numbers might have changed since then, it's safe to say there's still a hefty audience.
Coupled with the influx of new members who'd appreciate accessing Game Pass without the Xbox app, it seems to me that a Game Pass subscription on Steam would be a win-win. But, of course, it's not that simple.
Microsoft may favor building its Xbox and PC ecosystem, aiming to control every aspect of user experience, from cloud gaming to game updates. Allowing Steam into the equation could dilute that control.
On the other hand, Valve might not want to host Game Pass, preferring to maintain its emphasis on individual game purchases and preserve revenue from those sales.
Regardless, it seems that some collaboration between Xbox and Steam would benefit all parties - and PC gamers - in the long run.
Give the New Xbox PC App a Spin
The new game aggregation feature in the Xbox PC App looks promising, and if you're an avid Xbox app user, it's worth a try. To try it out, download the Xbox Insider Hub on Windows 11 and sign up for the PC Gaming preview section. Be patient; the feature may not appear immediately after enrolling.
What are your thoughts on the Xbox PC app integration and the possibility of PC Game Pass on Steam? Would it make you more likely to sign up for Game Pass? Share your opinions in the comments below!
- The Xbox PC app integration with popular PC gaming stores is a sign of Microsoft's intention to blur the lines between PC and console gaming, which could potentially lead to bringing the PC Game Pass on Steam.
- The Xbox PC app, despite Microsoft's substantial improvements, still falls short of Steam's high standards and expectations, making the incorporation of PC Game Pass on Steam an appealing prospect.
- If Microsoft were to bring Game Pass to Steam, it could result in a win-win situation, benefiting both parties and PC gamers in the long run, as it would provide access to Game Pass without the Xbox app.
- One of the primary challenges to uniting PC Game Pass and Steam might be the revenue sharing issue, with Valve, Steam's parent company, likely expecting a cut of every new and recurring Game Pass subscription.
- Microsoft may favor building its Xbox and PC ecosystem, aiming to control every aspect of user experience, while Valve might prefer to maintain its emphasis on individual game purchases to preserve revenue from those sales.
- The new game aggregation feature in the Xbox PC App, available for Windows 11 users, is worth a try if you're an avid Xbox app user, and the potential integration of PC Game Pass on Steam is a topic of discussion among PC gamers.
