Rumor: Xbox May Quit Steam To Promote Microsoft Store

Xbox could reduce its support for Steam as Microsoft reportedly reconsiders its wider PC gaming strategy.

Microsoft Reportedly Wants To Strengthen Its Own PC Store

Speaking during the latest Xbox Two Podcast, Windows Central executive editor Jez Corden discussed Microsoft’s evolving plans for Xbox games on PC. According to Corden, one option being considered involves pulling Xbox releases away from Valve’s platform to push players toward Microsoft’s own storefront.

but the plans that I know about, and I’m being very careful here, kind of suggest it gives them a window to potentially pull out of Steam. So, I would not be shocked if eventually we do see a universe where Microsoft quits Steam.” Jez Corden in regards to Xbox plans for PC

That is certainly a major claim. However, the word “potentially” is doing plenty of work here, and players should not treat the discussion as confirmation that Microsoft has finalized an exit from Steam.

Xbox currently sells major releases through Steam while also offering games through its Windows Store and PC Game Pass.

Furthermore, as discussed in the Xbox Two Podcast, the potential Steam withdrawal is connected to a broader reassessment of Microsoft’s PC strategy and the reported Project Helix initiative. That project has been associated with plans to bring Windows and Xbox hardware closer together.

Leaving Steam could theoretically direct more purchases through Microsoft’s ecosystem and give the company greater control over distribution. It would also remove Valve’s involvement in those transactions. The problem is straightforward: Steam remains the preferred library and storefront for a massive portion of the PC audience.

Which is why Jez clarified on X that leaving Steam would also mean leaving the revenue from that storefront behind, making the chances of it happening very slim, but the possibility is still there.

I REALLY doubt they will, but they’re doing something that could potentially give them a window to do so, but there’s just too much money to be left on the table imo. It was part of a bigger discussion.

Xbox Has Not Confirmed A Steam Exit

For now, Microsoft has not publicly announced that Xbox will stop releasing games on Steam. Corden was discussing internal possibilities, not revealing a completed policy or a confirmed release plan.

Microsoft has spent years expanding the availability of Xbox games rather than restricting them. Pulling future releases from Steam would be a sharp reversal, especially as the company increasingly treats PC as a central part of the Xbox ecosystem.

Until Microsoft confirms otherwise, Xbox games remain on Steam. Corden’s comments indicate that a change is reportedly being considered, but they do not establish whether Microsoft will approve it or how extensive any withdrawal might be.