Forget about Steam in the Xbox PC app — I want Game Pass in the app I actually use

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Yesterday, Microsoft unexpectedly revealed that they will be integrating the Xbox PC app with popular digital game retailers, aiming to consolidate all your games in a single platform for easier access.

This week, the update is being released initially for Xbox Insiders since it’s currently being tested. Assuming everything proceeds as planned, it will be officially launched in sync with the anticipated release of ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X later this year.

The blog post on Xbox Wire about the new Xbox application for game collection simply states that you can start games from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and major PC marketplaces, which at first seems to exclude Steam.

Now that PC gamers have tested the new feature through the Insider program, concerns about its functionality have been alleviated. It’s true that your Steam library can be accessed via the Xbox app on a PC.

So far, the reaction to this news has been generally favorable. Reducing the number of launchers is generally beneficial, and it seems that Xbox is strategically moving in a positive direction by aiming to merge the boundaries between PC and console.

Yet, it’s clear that many others share my thoughts about a hypothetical scenario in which the PC Xbox app, particularly PC Game Pass, could potentially be integrated into Steam.

PC Game Pass on Steam is all I really want

Microsoft’s recent efforts to make everything function like an Xbox, along with hints of an all-encompassing Xbox singularity where Xbox consoles and gaming PCs blur together, makes the news about the Xbox PC app integrating its library with other digital stores seem less unexpected.

Upon reading the news, my initial reaction was, “Why isn’t Game Pass from Microsoft offered on Steam instead?

As a long-term subscriber to Game Pass, I strongly feel that it offers exceptional value (arguably the best) in PC gaming currently. However, there’s a significant problem that many users, including myself, encounter: the Xbox app for Windows.

Last year, Executive Editor Jez Corden shared his thoughts on the Xbox app for Windows PCs. He mentioned that Microsoft has significantly enhanced the app’s usability since its debut, but it still doesn’t match the level set by Steam.

Why can’t Microsoft make Game Pass available through Steam?

On numerous occasions, I’ve encountered issues with the app due to unexpected bugs, which transform my playing time into debugging sessions instead. Plus, it seems like both newly released and older games frequently suffer from slow download speeds, making the gaming experience quite frustrating.

The gaming subscription service provided by Electronic Arts (EA), known as EA Play, is accessible via Steam. Given the fact that users no longer need to navigate through the problematic EA App, it’s likely we’ll witness an increase in memberships.

It’s quite possible that we might witness similar outcomes if Game Pass ever becomes available on Steam. There are several gamers within my circle who haven’t subscribed to PC Game Pass because they prefer not to use the Windows Xbox app.

What’s stopping Steam and Microsoft from reaching a Game Pass deal?

The primary hurdle for PC Game Pass to be available on Steam seems to revolve around financial considerations. Given that Valve, the company owning Steam, collects a portion of every game sold through their platform, it’s unlikely they would make an exception for new and recurring Game Pass subscriptions without significant compensation.

But would giving Valve a cut really harm Microsoft’s profits?

By February 2024, it became known that Game Pass boasted approximately 34 million subscribers across both Xbox and personal computer users. As for any subsequent changes in the number, I’m not privy to that information; however, even at that figure, it represents a substantial user base.

This morning, I noticed that over 34 million people are currently active on Steam. It’s well-known that many of these users also subscribe to Game Pass, myself included. However, it seems reasonable to expect an increase in new members as gamers who previously shied away from Game Pass due to the Xbox app now have another option for accessing games.

Apart from financial considerations, Microsoft may be hesitant to hand over control of its highly profitable subscription service to Steam, since they are working hard to establish their own gaming ecosystem that caters to both Xbox and PC users.

If it turns out to be true, I sincerely hope that Microsoft accelerates the process of developing the PC version of the Xbox App, since it currently lags behind what Steam provides.

From another perspective, it could be Steam that is hesitant about allowing Game Pass on their platform. While they would still receive a portion of the subscription fees, they would lose out on income from the direct sale of individual games.

Regardless of the approach, it’s hard to envision a scenario where such a collaboration would yield mutual advantages, especially for PC gaming enthusiasts, in the future.

Give the new Xbox PC app aggregated gaming library a try

Admit it, the fresh gaming collection on the PC Xbox App appears rather sleek, so why not give this innovative feature a spin if you’re an avid user? After all, what have you got to lose?

Try it out! Install the Xbox Insider Hub application on Windows 11, then sign up for the Preview program’s PC Gaming section. An added advantage is that you get to pick which third-party marketplaces appear within your app.

The new feature is being released gradually for users, so it may not be immediately available upon your enrollment in the program. Please keep coming back to check for updates!

Are you in favor of Game Pass being available on Steam? If so, would it encourage you to subscribe to Game Pass? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

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2025-06-25 14:44