Halo Wars: Definitive Edition may be coming to Steam, according to a prominent Halo modder and data miner. Gamecheat13, who is known for being banned from Xbox Live after leaking the Halo Wars 2 soundtrack, is back and claiming to have a copy of Halo Wars: Definitive Edition. He's even gone so far as to show a screenshot of the build, replete with error message asking the player to reconnect to Steam to continue.

This wouldn't be the first time that the Halo Wars: Definitive Edition was made available on PC, but it would be the first without restrictions. Currently, the Halo Wars: Definitive Edition is only available to play on Windows 10 via the Microsoft store. Also, it's only available as part of the Ultimate Edition of Halo Wars 2, an $80 package. A Steam version of the game, featuring Steam online features, would free up Halo Wars from its previously required bundle and the Windows 10 limitation.

The Halo Wars: Definitive Edition is a port of the original Xbox 360 game from 2009 with improved visuals and audio, including an option for 4K resolution. It also features all of the original game's DLC, including the Limited Edition's Fireball Warthog and Honor Guard Wraith.

While the evidence is compelling, the rumor lives and dies by the word of Gamecheat 13. While he has leaked content in the past, it's no secret that he has somewhat of an untrustworthy nature. He also seems rather vindictive against Microsoft, though that doesn't necessarily imply anything about this rumor.

The image he provided of the game running does seem persuasive, but it could be a mock-up. Alternatively, it could be a build that was considered and never saw further development after instead being released attached to Halo Wars 2.

It's also difficult to imagine Microsoft releasing anything on Steam right now, especially Halo Wars. For one, Microsoft is extremely focused on building up the Microsoft Store as part of its ongoing Play Anywhere campaign, which provides a copy of a game on both Xbox and PC.

Second, Microsoft is also keyed in on maximizing the value of Halo Wars 2, which hasn't had the success Microsoft was likely hoping for. A Halo Wars on Steam might only further stymie Halo Wars 2's success on the Microsoft Store.

If news of a Steam version of the Halo Wars: Definitive Edition is coming at all, it might not be far off. This weekend's Halo World Championships might have been a great opportunity to mention something, but alas there has been no word from Microsoft. For now, this rumor's probably worth treating with extreme skepticism.