Microsoft wanted $800 million from Netflix for a seven-year exclusive deal on shows and films built around Xbox characters, according to a Puck report cited by Video Games Chronicle. Puck, citing three sources, reports that Netflix offered $500 million for the rights and that the talks have since fallen through.
What Puck reports
Per the report, Netflix’s $500 million offer would have covered a seven-year exclusive window for adaptations based on Xbox properties. Xbox reportedly countered at $800 million, and the two sides did not reach an agreement. Puck adds that Xbox is now said to be pursuing smaller deals with more partners rather than one large exclusive arrangement.
None of the figures have been confirmed by either company. Netflix declined to comment, according to the report.
Xbox responds
In a statement to Puck, Xbox did not address the numbers directly. “We have received record-breaking interest in our I.P.; Netflix is a valued partner and we are excited for the forthcoming release of our Minecraft and Diablo animated series together, among other adaptations,” the company said.
That statement points to the relationship continuing on a project basis, with Minecraft and Diablo animated series still headed to Netflix, even if a broad exclusive deal is off the table.
Xbox on screen
Xbox has been down the television road before. Paramount’s live-action Halo series debuted in 2022, returned for a second season in February 2024, and was cancelled in July 2024. The reported Netflix talks covered Xbox characters broadly rather than any single franchise.
The report lands during a period of upheaval at Xbox, which RCG has covered in its reporting on further Xbox layoffs and a four-day office mandate. You can read the original coverage at Video Games Chronicle.
