Roku OS users will lose access to the popular “Aquatic Life” screensaver starting Dec. 1 after its creator decided not to renew the licensing agreement due to Fox acquiring the streaming platform. Cord Cutters News first reported that affected users received alerts on their devices notifying them that the animation will no longer be available after this month.
Licensing Canceled Following Corporate Sale
The screensaver has been a feature on Roku devices for 10 years. Roku licensed the animation, titled Marine Aquarium, from artist Jim Sachs through Prolific Publishing. Sachs, who developed the animation through his company SereneScreen, holds the copyright to the work.
Sachs explained to Ars Technica that the licensing agreement with Roku was up for renewal every October and could be canceled by either party for any reason. A day after learning about Fox’s plan to purchase Roku—a transaction that has now closed—Sachs informed Prolific that he would not be renewing Roku’s license.
Sachs cited Fox News’ controversial approach to news and entertainment as the reason for ending the long-running arrangement. “I can’t be part of the Fox world,” he told Ars Technica.
User Disappointment and Replacement Plan
According to the notice sent to users, Roku will automatically replace the ad-free Aquatic Life screensaver on affected devices with “Roku City,” another popular animation that incorporates subtle advertisements.
The upcoming removal has generated widespread disappointment among Roku users online who valued the screensaver’s relaxing atmosphere. Expressing frustration over the change, a Reddit user posted: “When my head is in overdrive (very often with my ADHD), this screensaver grounds me and lets me exhale and become focused with myself again. It may sound over the top, but it’s true. It takes a lot for me to chill and relax, but this Aquatic Life [screensaver] is my go to. Totally gutted 😢”
