Curious, does Microsoft require you to pay in order to use Netflix on the xbox one?

[DaveSimmons]

A bit confused.. are you saying that Netflix is a victim here? Why isn't Netflix demanding they be free? It would be a huge hit to the Xbox if they lost Netflix.

One way to read that. To me it was like the free weekend for the paid cable channels like HBO. They spent a lot of money on their original shows and House of Cards was the first.

I should point out that unlike some others in threads like this, I don't have a clue WTF Netflix or MS think or want. For all I know MS is still paying a kick back to Netflix for them having the deal when they started getting Netflix, which would make sense to have it behind the paid wall. I will say that Netflix has a voice and can pull it from the Xbox if they wanted. It would be a worse hit for MS than Netflix if they did that, so I can't get behind the idea that MS is screwing Netflix.

MS may be telling Netlix they have to keep the paywall or they will not be allowed on the 360 / X1 at all. Or MS may be paying enough that Netflix is happy with the paywall arrangement.

If MS is not handing out the suitcases of cash then it makes no sense for Netflix to want the paywall barrier cutting the number of potential subscribers in half.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Who cares. Netflix on PS3 is superior to Xbox anyway.

On the xb1 I hear it is very good. I dont subscribe to Netflix so I wouldn't know.

 

[KaOTiK]

Netflix on the PS4 is better than on the PS3 I've found and the PS3 version was already way better than any other version I had used.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Netflix on the PS4 is better than on the PS3 I've found and the PS3 version was already way better than any other version I had used.

I have used crackle (it has some obscure action movies) on both the PS4 and XB1 and the PS4 app is better but controlling the video playback with an actual remote is a lot better so it's a trade off either way.

 

[Skel]

MS may be telling Netlix they have to keep the paywall or they will not be allowed on the 360 / X1 at all. Or MS may be paying enough that Netflix is happy with the paywall arrangement.

If MS is not handing out the suitcases of cash then it makes no sense for Netflix to want the paywall barrier cutting the number of potential subscribers in half.

I'd agree with you, but MS has more to lose if Netflix removes itself from the service. As it's been pointed out you can stream Netflix to just about anything, so I have a really hard time believing that they're being held hostage.

 

[DaveSimmons]

I'd agree with you, but MS has more to lose if Netflix removes itself from the service. As it's been pointed out you can stream Netflix to just about anything, so I have a really hard time believing that they're being held hostage.

Then what is Netflix getting from MS if not suitcases full of cash?

Every other platform is not behind a paywall, why would Netflix want this single solitary exception if not for money or because MS has the gun at their head?

 

[cmdrdredd]

Then what is Netflix getting from MS if not suitcases full of cash?

Every other platform is not behind a paywall, why would Netflix want this single solitary exception if not for money or because MS has the gun at their head?

Cause they don't care. People subscribe anyway. they don't care what device you use.

 

[smackababy]

Cause they don't care. People subscribe anyway. they don't care what device you use.

This. Netflix does not care how you watch their streaming content. They just care that you pay THEM for it. In fact, if you just paid and never used it, it would be more beneficial to Netflix because you're not using any of their bandwidth.

 

[DaveSimmons]

This. Netflix does not care how you watch their streaming content. They just care that you pay THEM for it. In fact, if you just paid and never used it, it would be more beneficial to Netflix because you're not using any of their bandwidth.

That makes no sense without the cash suitcases or the gun.

Yes, Netflix does not care what device you use. But they care that you do subscribe.

Half of Xbox users CAN'T subscribe unless they own another device, because they don't have Live Gold.

It's giving up potential customers for Netflix to say "we'll only take your money if you either also pay Microsoft $40/year, or unless you go buy a Roku."

Why would they want to make it harder for you to give them money?

 

[cmdrdredd]

That makes no sense without the cash suitcases or the gun.

Yes, Netflix does not care what device you use. But they care that you do subscribe.

Half of Xbox users CAN'T subscribe unless they own another device, because they don't have Live Gold.

It's giving up potential customers for Netflix to say "we'll only take your money if you either also pay Microsoft $40/year, or unless you go buy a Roku."

Why would they want to make it harder for you to give them money?

I guarantee everyone with an xbox has a computer, tablet, smartphone, smart TV or a combination of these.

Or they pay for live anyway and decided "hey I think netflix would be cool to have lemme sign up for that too". Again nobody signs up because they own an xbox...it's incidental.

 

[Dumac]

I guarantee everyone with an xbox has a computer, tablet, smartphone, smart TV or a combination of these.

A lot of people watch Netflix only on their PS3. I don't think it is too far of a stretch to say that there could exists a parallel population of 360 gamers who may possible use Netflix if it didn't require a XBL subscription on top of it.

The pay wall being lifted for House of Cards shows this - Netflix obviously wanted the largest numbers it could get for it's big original show and requested, maybe very forcibly, that MS temporary lift the XBL requirement. This implies that Netflix knows there is a population on the 360 who would use Netflix if it wasn't behind a paywall and not use it otherwise.

Sure, people with consoles also own smartphones, tablets, and computers. But who wants to watch a show on those most of the time? It doesn't compare to the HDTV living room experience.

Or they pay for live anyway and decided "hey I think netflix would be cool to have lemme sign up for that too". Again nobody signs up because they own an xbox...it's incidental.

How can you imagine a scenario where someone pays for live and then thinks "oh this Netflix thing may be cool too" but can't imagine that if MS did not make Netflix require XBL someone using their xbox may think "oh this Netflix thing may be cool".

 

[desiplaya4life]

No it isn't a perfect analogy.

agreed.

If Sony allows access to free APPS without having users cough the dough, Microsoft can follow the lead. Every APP on PS4 is provided Free without holding a string.

 

[desiplaya4life]

I guarantee everyone with an xbox has a computer, tablet, smartphone, smart TV or a combination of these.

Or they pay for live anyway and decided "hey I think netflix would be cool to have lemme sign up for that too". Again nobody signs up because they own an xbox...it's incidental.

I gaurantee that someone who has purchased a XB1 or PS4 may not have roku, smart tv, or smart apps on 3rd party device. They may rely on the console to provide those services and Sony is taking the lead to make sure they can provide those entertainment without paying $50 membership fee. And MAYBE that user who never used Netflix, or amazon video may consider registering for that service as add-on based on his needs.

 

[Tweak155]

This is not complicated. Yes, it's dumb MS makes you pay for XBLG to use Netflix, but it is your right to not buy the system if it is that big of a concern to you. Clearly MS feels the restrictions earn them more XBLG subs than it loses them system sales / XBLG subs, otherwise they would make it free just like Sony.

They used to do this with a game called Final Fantasy XI. When it was first released, you had to have XBLG to play it, even though you had to pay a monthly sub to SQUENIX to play as well. At some point they removed that restriction - perhaps the deal fell through with SQUENIX or whatever the case may be. They clearly make these decisions for a reason.