Xbox Requested $800 Million from Netflix for Game Franchise Adaptations

Microsoft and Netflix discussed a large-scale agreement to create films and series based on Xbox gaming franchises. According to Puck, Netflix began negotiations with an offer of $500 million, but the Xbox leadership, led by Asha Sharma, requested $800 million for a seven-year exclusive agreement. It is not specified what additional terms might have been included in the deal besides the exclusive license. It was assumed that Netflix would have the opportunity to adapt several major Microsoft game series for film and television. The information about the negotiations is based on media reports, with no official confirmation of the terms from the companies.

According to the publication, the parties failed to reach an agreement, and the negotiations ended without a deal. The exact reasons for the breakdown are not disclosed. Puck suggests that possible influences on the process include personnel changes at Netflix, including the departure of Bela Bajaria, who was responsible for content direction. In October, the company announced the reduction of approximately 1,000 employees, followed by the dismissal of several executives. Among them was the head of the film division, Dan Lin. Earlier, media also reported on his disagreements with director Greta Gerwig regarding the release date of the upcoming film "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician's Nephew." However, a direct link between Netflix's personnel decisions and the termination of negotiations with Xbox was not confirmed.

After the failure with Netflix, Xbox, according to Puck, moved on to discussing separate agreements with a broader range of partners. Their names and possible terms of cooperation have not yet been disclosed. It is still unknown which franchises will be included in future agreements, the duration of the rights, and whether the production of specific films or series will begin. There were no official announcements of new agreements at the time of publication.