In short
- Netflix offered $500 million for seven years of exclusive rights to adapt Xbox franchises for film and TV, Puck reports.
- Xbox countered with $800 million for the same period.
- Talks fell apart after Netflix’s content chief, Bela Bajaria, left the company.
- Xbox now wants smaller deals with more partners.
Microsoft and Netflix came close to one of the biggest entertainment deals in gaming. According to Matthew Belloni at Puck, the two companies negotiated exclusive rights to bring Xbox franchises to film and TV.
How much was on the table?
- Netflix: $500 million for seven years of exclusive rights. The offer came from Bela Bajaria, then Netflix’s chief content officer.
- Xbox: countered with $800 million for the same period, with Xbox CEO Asha Sharma’s team leading the talks.
Why didn’t it happen?
A change in people. Bajaria left Netflix around the same time the company announced it was cutting 1,000 jobs. According to Belloni, without her the deal was off the table before either side settled the terms.
What did Xbox say?
That it has seen record interest in its franchises and that Netflix remains a valued partner. Xbox is now reportedly going after smaller deals with more partners instead of one giant exclusive.
Are any Xbox adaptations coming?
Yes. Xbox says it’s excited about the Minecraft and Diablo animated series on Netflix. And in early October, Microsoft launched Xbox XP, a division focused on taking its franchises to film and TV.
Quick answers
How much did Netflix offer? $500 million over seven years.
How much did Xbox ask for? $800 million.
Are there Xbox shows on Netflix? Minecraft and Diablo animated series are in the works.
Sources: Insider Gaming
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