Microsoft’s attempts to bridge the gap with Steam took an unexpected turn when a leaked screenshot revealed an upcoming application designed for launching Steam games from an Xbox.

Using the Xbox app has often been criticized for its user experience, leading many to feel that Microsoft has lagged behind in this area since its prime days during Windows XP.

In a particularly careless moment, Microsoft shared an image on a GDC 2025 blog post before swiftly taking it down. The image was infamously marked with a watermark indicating it was highly confidential, which caused speculation regarding the company’s intentions to integrate Steam games into their ecosystem.

The leaked image, featuring a tab clearly titled ‘Steam’ next to the ‘Game Pass’ label, raises questions about Microsoft’s strategic direction. Sources close to the matter have hinted at an update for the Xbox app that could allow users to see all the games installed on their PC, thus streamlining their gaming experience.

While Microsoft’s prior efforts in this direction weren’t always successful, there exists hope that this new initiative might finally be the answer gamers are waiting for. Observers note how other platforms like GOG Galaxy and Playnite have led the way in providing all-encompassing gaming libraries, and it remains to be seen if Microsoft can do it better.

With Microsoft seemingly embracing the concept of an ‘all-in-one gaming app’, it’s clear that they’re eager to ensure that all games, regardless of their origin, can be accessed through a single interface—a prospect many gamers have long desired.