With Minecraft and Diablo shows already on the way, Netflix reportedly offered Xbox $500m for a bigger film and TV deal
Netflix reportedly offered Xbox $500 million for exclusive access to adapt its games into films and television shows over seven years, but the deal fell through after Xbox sought $800 million. The reported disagreement highlights the high cost of game rights as studios compete to turn successful video game franchises into screen productions.
Puck News says former Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria initiated talks, while Netflix finance chief Spence Neumann was among those who viewed Xbox’s counter-offer as too expensive. The report does not specify which games the proposed deal would have covered. Netflix and Xbox are still developing animated Minecraft and Diablo shows and a live-action Gears of War film; Xbox says it is pursuing smaller licensing deals.
In short
- Netflix reportedly offered Xbox $500 million for seven years of game rights.
- Xbox reportedly countered with an $800 million price.
- Their Minecraft, Diablo and Gears of War adaptations are still in progress.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A seven-year exclusive deal could give Netflix a dependable slate of recognisable game adaptations and help it plan investment across films and television. Xbox’s reported $800 million ask may reflect the value of its franchises and the opportunity cost of tying them to one studio; smaller licensing agreements could let it reach multiple partners and retain flexibility.
The case against
Netflix could reasonably judge that $500 million was already a substantial commitment when the games, audience response and likely production costs were unspecified. Paying more for broad exclusivity might concentrate risk in a few adaptations and limit the chance to choose projects individually, while the ongoing Minecraft, Diablo and Gears of War projects show that collaboration can proceed through narrower deals.