With the Diablo animated series on the way and announced this very year at BlizzCon, and another one dedicated to Minecraft, Netflix understandably felt that the moment had arrived to formalize this relationship with the Microsoft universe: a long-term deal for the exploitation and adaptation of their major video game brands. According to what Puck News reports, the negotiations, however, broke down due to a perennial problem in human history. Money.
Microsoft declines Netflix offer for a seven-year deal, prefers to have a free hand
This marriage was not meant to be, but from specific arrangements everyone can derive something: that seems to be the essence behind the end of negotiations between Microsoft and Netflix. The streaming behemoth would have offered as much as $500 million for an exclusive licensing tie to their video game brands, for a duration of seven years. The Redmond-based company pushed back with their valuation of a partnership of this kind: a substantial $800 million, at which Netflix would have raised its hands and stepped away. Naturally the Minecraft and Diablo deal remains active, but going forward, for video game adaptations into cinema and TV series Microsoft will seek ad hoc partners for each project, without necessarily tying itself to a single entity. After all, the company already operates similarly for other projects: beyond the Fallout series for Amazon MGM Studios, there is also a sequel to a Minecraft movie in the works with Warner Bros., not to mention the enduring relationship with Paramount, between the upcoming Call of Duty film and the two Halo seasons. In light of this decision, potential films/TV series from Sea of Thieves, Elder Scrolls, or Gears of War could find a home in entities other than those cited (not to forget that Warner Bros. and Paramount will soon become one, following the extravagant spending by David Ellison and his Paramount Skydance).
Microsoft officially commented on the matter in a diplomatic (and yet triumphant sounding) tone: “We have received a record level of interest for our intellectual properties: Netflix is a valuable partner and we are excited about the upcoming release of our Minecraft and Diablo animated series, developed with them, alongside other adaptations.”
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