Xbox might soon get Epic and Steam stores, CEO Phil Spencer advocates a less restrictive ecosystem

This could help Xbox recover in a highly competitive market

2 min. read

Published onMarch 27, 2024

published onMarch 27, 2024

Share this article

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Amidst reports oftrouble mounting for Xbox, with retailers cutting back the stock and publishers choosing other platforms, Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has an idea that could aid Xbox in reclaiming the lost glory.

In an interview withPolygonduring the GDC(Game Developers Conference), Spencer talked about a less restrictive Xbox ecosystem where you can get games from different stores, unlike the present situation where you are restricted to one.

When asked ifItch.ioandEpic Games Storecould make it to Xbox, Spencer said,

He believes players on Xbox should have the same experience. Basically, more freedom when it comes to picking up games, which benefits both the players and the console maker. Spencer went on to add,

Xbox isn’t the only console that limits your options. PlayStation and Nintendo do the same thing. So, if Xbox could make this multi-store thing a reality, thesales gap between Xbox and PlayStationconsoles might narrow down.

And if we are talking aboutEpic GamesandItch.io, why not Steam? It has one of the biggest game collections and is compatible with most platforms. It would be our first choice for Xbox!

Besides, Microsoft is already working on releasingXbox-exclusive titles on PlayStation and Switch, withPentiment and Hi-Fi Rushbeing the first on the list to go cross-platform.

So, introducing game stores and opening up the Xbox ecosystem doesn’t seem like a distant reality. It could happen sooner than we expect!

Would you want Xbox to get Epic Games, Itch.io, and Steam? Share your thoughts with our readers in the comments section.

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Xbox might soon get Epic and Steam stores, CEO Phil Spencer advocates a less restrictive ecosystem#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Xbox might soon get Epic and Steam stores, CEO Phil Spencer advocates a less restrictive ecosystem