Microsoft held the big unveiling of Windows 11 yesterday, and in addition to highlighting many of its Xbox gaming-related features, the company spoke a bit about the possibility of Steam and the Epic Games Store being integrated.
In an interview with The Verge, Windows and device chief Panos Panay enthused that the two stores are certainly "encouraged" to become part of Windows 11's new app store, and should they want to, they would be "very welcome".
“Windows already in many ways hosts those stores, and if we can host it through the Microsoft Store then of course. For sure, it means as others want to come to the Store, they’re very welcome. As a matter of fact, encouraged, and that’s kind of why we’re building out some of these policies.”
“I really want this experience where you go to the store, you type the app in and you get the app you want.”
The potential downside, as The Verge highlights, is that despite a new policy change which will allow developers to keep 100 percent of the revenue from apps in the Windows 11 Store regardless of what payment options they use, this policy won't apply to games. However, it's unknown how the likes of Steam, which only hosts games, would fit into this.
It would likely be the best-case scenario from a consumer perspective, of course, as everything would be integrated into one dedicated app store. We're sceptical that Steam and Epic Games would be on board, but you never know.
Do you think Steam and Epic Games will become part of Windows 11's app store? Give us your thoughts below.
[source theverge.com]
Comments 7
I would assume that Microsoft already offered store-integration to Valve and Epic privately before this announcement was released, but they declined the offer.
Don't do it, Steam. You're better than that.
@Broosh @101Force The relationship between Microsoft and Valve is so good to the point Gabe Newell has openly admitted his preference of Xbox. Their games are almost always topping the Steam charts.
Regarding Epic, Microsoft is one of their biggest customers. Microsoft has invested a lot on Unreal Engine all these years both directly and indirectly.
@Senua Fair enough. I'm just saying the MS Store interface (on Win 10) is horrid so I'm hoping Steam stays separate. Imagine having to update Steam through the MS Store every time 😖
Main reason I doubt this will happen is it would encourage users to just search the Microsoft store for games. Right now Steam has an upper hand because their users will simply search Steam and see nothing but Steam sold games.
Best case scenario, Steam lists some of their first party games like Portal and counter strike on the Windows Store, but even there I highly doubt.
Edit: mind you, it would be better for consumers if Epic and Steam embraced this. Then again, there might be legal issues. A company that happens to sell their games on both might have their games show up twice in search results, and confuse users, could become a support headache.
It is best for Valve to stay out of it.
@Tharsman Smart.
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