# Artist withdraws Roku aquarium screensaver licence over Fox ownership

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/developer-ends-lucrative-screensaver-deal-with-roku-because-fox-bought-it/
- Published: 2026-11-06T19:50:18+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T21:49:31+00:00
- Original publisher: Ars Technica
- Original article: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/11/artist-pulls-popular-screensaver-from-roku-os-because-of-fox-acquisition/
- Topics: Software, Technology

## Key points

- Jim Sachs is ending Roku’s Aquatic Life screensaver licence.
- He cited Fox’s acquisition and views of its media.
- The exclusive deal paid Sachs $80,000 a year.

## Summary

Artist Jim Sachs has withdrawn the licence for Roku’s Aquatic Life screensaver after Fox completed its acquisition of Roku, saying he does not want his work associated with Fox. The change, effective 1 December, will end a decade-long feature valued by some users for its calm, advert-free display.

Sachs licensed the Marine Aquarium animation to Roku through Prolific Publishing, with the agreement renewable each October and cancellable by either side. He said the exclusive deal paid $80,000 a year; Roku will replace the screensaver with Roku City, which includes subtle adverts. The licence was Sachs’ main source of income, and although Roku has asked him to restore it, he says he hopes another streaming service may offer the animation.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.