Xbox wanted $800 million from Netflix for 7 years of its biggest characters, it’s claimed

According to coverage, Netflix initially put forward a $500 million offer for a film and television partnership that would draw on Xbox’s portfolio of games. Xbox, in turn, is said to have counter‑requested $800 million for a seven‑year license covering its biggest characters. The story is being carried by a cluster of gaming and tech outlets. Eurogamer.net notes that Netflix already has Minecraft and Diablo shows in production and that the $500 million proposal would expand that slate. IGN reports that the exclusivity deal was withdrawn after Microsoft’s $800 million ask, while Video Games Chronicle repeats the seven‑year, $800 million figure.

Together, the outlets emphasize the financial gap and the high‑profile nature of the IP involved. Understanding why the numbers matter requires context on both companies’ strategies. Netflix has been building a library of game‑based series, leveraging popular titles such as Minecraft and the upcoming Diablo adaptations to attract younger subscribers. Xbox controls a catalog of long‑running franchises that have traditionally been strong on console and PC, and the division has been exploring ways to monetize its characters beyond interactive media. A multi‑year, eight‑hundred‑million‑dollar deal would represent one of the largest licensing arrangements in the streaming‑gaming crossover space, signaling intensified competition for exclusive content.

Future coverage will likely focus on whether either party revises its position. Watch for official statements from Netflix or Microsoft confirming the status of the negotiations, as well as any announcements of alternative partners for Xbox’s IP. Additional reporting from the same outlets may clarify the timeline of the Minecraft and Diablo shows already in development and indicate whether the proposed seven‑year window remains a target for future deals.