Microsoft Clarifies Xbox Plans, Ditching Steam Not on the Agenda

Microsoft's plans for its future Xbox console releases have sparked rumors that it may ditch Steam and other PC stores in favor of its own platform. However, Windows Central executive editor Jez Corden has come forward to refute these claims, stating that his previous comments were taken out of context.

Corden explained that Project Helix, a major disruption to the existing console market, will reportedly be a powerful Windows PC with a more comprehensive Xbox Full Screen Experience UI and strong backward compatibility with existing Xbox consoles. This means that users will still be able to buy and play games from Steam and other supported storefronts.

Microsoft has already demonstrated its willingness to integrate with third-party stores through devices like the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X, which is an Xbox-branded PC. Additionally, the company's plans for a disc-to-digital feature, dubbed 'Positron,' would allow users to convert discs into digital licenses that grant access to both console and PC versions of games.

While some may see this as a radical shift in the console market, Corden argues that it's not that different from other consumer electronics, such as Android devices which allow for third-party app stores. With Xbox Game Pass and lower cut rates on Steam, developers are incentivized to use Xbox services on Helix.