While No Final Decision Has Been Made, Such a Move Would Send Shockwaves Through the Industry

Microsoft is weighing a major shift in its PC gaming strategy that could see Xbox pull out of Valve’s Steam platform, according to Windows Central’s Jez Corden. Speaking on the Xbox Two Podcast, Corden said the company’s plans to restructure its PC presence have opened the door to a possible departure from Steam. While no final decision has been made, such a move would send shockwaves through the industry.

Corden acknowledged, however, that forfeiting Steam’s substantial revenue would be a difficult call. At the center of the discussions is Xbox Project Helix, a next-generation hardware system designed to blur the line between console and PC gaming. The system, built around the Magnus APU, is reportedly more expensive to produce than the upcoming PlayStation 6. To offset these costs and keep devices competitively priced, Xbox relies on revenue from its own platform.

Third-party storefronts like Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store claim a 30% commission on game sales, directly cutting into Microsoft’s share. Rising prices for components such as RAM and NAND storage are adding further pressure, prompting Xbox to revisit its strategy. With costs expected to climb in the coming months, leaving Steam is now being treated as a viable option — though the plan remains internal and unofficial.