In the ever-evolving world of PC gaming, platform launchers have become the front doors to vast libraries, social hubs, and subscription services. Over the past months, both Valve’s Steam and the Epic Games Store have accelerated their start-up sequences, sparking a subtle yet noticeable competition for the quickest first impression. Into this race steps Microsoft, whose latest Xbox PC app update claims a dramatic performance uplift, while Epic Games simultaneously announces a preview of a Linux-compatible launcher. The twin announcements hint at an industry-wide push to make game portals feel less like heavyweight applications and more like responsive gateways.
Xbox PC app gains speed and UI overhaul
The new update, announced by Xbox chief Asha Sharma on social media, promises up to a 60% reduction in launch time. In practical terms, the app now boots in a little over five seconds—a stark contrast to the previous 15-plus seconds many users endured. A short video released alongside the tweet demonstrates the smoother start-up, emphasizing a more immediate and polished interface. Beyond raw speed, the overhaul introduces a revamped navigation system: slimmer menus, updated filters, and a larger Friends tab. Search functionality now spans installed games, add-ons, and player profiles, while in-app windows such as Home, Store, and Game Pass reportedly load up to 50% faster, and auxiliary panels open 65% quicker.
The changes are currently being field-tested through the Xbox Insiders program, with a phased rollout planned for the web experience, television devices, and even VR headsets. Sharma described the improvement as “meaningful” but acknowledged that more work remains, signaling that Microsoft views the PC side of Xbox as a long-term strategic priority. Early measurements place the updated Xbox app at roughly 5.2 seconds to full readiness, a figure that nudges it just ahead of Steam’s 5.2-7 second range and the Epic Games Store’s reported 5.5 seconds. While real-world conditions will always vary, the numbers suggest the Xbox client is now competing on equal footing with its rivals.
Epic Games expands Linux launcher footprint
On the Linux front, Epic Games has released a preview of its Epic Games Launcher that supports the operating system for the first time. The initial build arrived as an AppImage—a self-contained executable format popular among Linux enthusiasts—but has since been swapped for a .deb package targeting Debian-based distributions such as Ubuntu. The company’s FAQ mentions that Fedora support is imminent, and a spokesperson, Jake Jones, confirmed that the team is evaluating multiple packaging strategies, including a potential return to AppImage later this month.
Packaging formats under review
Jones emphasized Epic’s intention to “support as many Linux distributions as possible,” naming Fedora, SteamOS, Cachy, and Omarchy among the targets. The team is also weighing the merits of Flatpak distribution via Flathub, a route that could simplify installation on SteamOS and other desktop environments. This flexible approach acknowledges the fragmented nature of the Linux ecosystem, where each distro often prefers its own package type. By offering .deb now and keeping the door open for AppImage or Flatpak, Epic hopes to lower the barrier for Linux gamers eager to access its catalog.
Epic’s move arrives alongside similar signals from GOG Galaxy, which recently confirmed official Linux support for 2027. The combined momentum underscores growing confidence that a native Linux gaming storefront is becoming a mainstream expectation rather than a niche experiment.
The race for the fastest PC gaming hub
With Microsoft’s speed-focused Xbox app and Epic’s multi-distro Linux strategy, the competition among the three major storefronts is sharpening. Steam, long praised for its extensive library, has already tweaked its launcher to land in the five-second window, while the Epic Games Store has followed suit with comparable timings. Microsoft’s aggressive claim of a “up to 60% faster” launch positions the Xbox client not only as a viable alternative for console-linked gamers but also as a contender for the broader Windows PC audience.
On the Linux side, Epic’s willingness to juggle packaging formats could attract users who have historically shied away from proprietary launchers. If the Linux preview proves stable, it may push Valve to further optimize Steam for the platform, while also encouraging other publishers to consider native Linux clients. Ultimately, the push for quicker start-up times and broader OS coverage benefits players: faster access, less resource drain, and a clearer choice among ecosystems.
Both companies have signaled that these updates are only the beginning. Microsoft’s insider program will continue refining UX elements, while Epic plans to restore AppImage support and possibly add Flatpak distribution. As Windows, macOS, and Linux users watch the three titans race for supremacy, the most likely winner is the gamer, who can now expect a smoother, more inclusive experience across all major platforms.
