Roku users are losing a longtime favorite: the Aquatic Life screensaver will disappear from their devices on December 1. The removal follows artist Jim Sachs’s decision not to renew the licensing agreement with Roku after Fox completed its $22 billion acquisition of the streaming platform.
Sachs, creator and copyright holder of the Marine Aquarium animation, has licensed the screensaver to Roku for a decade through Prolific Publishing. The deal renewed each October and could be canceled by either side. Sachs told Prolific he would not renew the day after learning of Fox’s plan to buy Roku. “I can’t be part of the Fox world,” he said, citing Fox News’ controversial programming style.
Affected users have received notices that the Aquatic Life screensaver will be replaced automatically by Roku City, another animated screensaver that includes subtle advertisements. For many, the loss stings because Aquatic Life offered an ad-free, calming backdrop for years.
Fans React to Losing a Beloved Screensaver
Online reactions have been emotional. One Reddit user described how the screensaver helped with ADHD, saying it grounds them when their mind is overactive and helps them relax. Another lamented that Roku’s themes and low-ad experience were once a reason to choose the platform, but that new themes have been scarce and ads have increased.
Sachs said he wants to placate fans and noted that Roku has asked him to restore the license. However, he remains firm about his concerns regarding Fox. He believes Fox wants another outlet for its philosophy, which he finds repugnant, and he cannot stand the thought of his artwork drawing even one person toward it.
Financial Hit Accepted for Principles
The decision carries what Sachs called “major financial consequences.” The licensing deal was his primary income, as sales of the computer version of the screensaver are low. He explained that the agreement paid $80,000 per year for exclusive rights to all set-top devices, or $60,000 annually for non-exclusive rights, and Roku had always chosen exclusivity. Roku did not confirm the terms before publication.
Sachs said his needs are modest, with property taxes being the only significant expense, so he will be okay but cannot begin planned projects. The screensaver remains available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, but a return to Roku appears unlikely.
He holds out hope that another streaming company might offer the screensaver. He also said he would be happy to restore the Roku license if Fox were to reverse its business model and take responsibility for harm caused, and under those circumstances, they could even have it for free. For now, the Aquatic Life screensaver is set to fade from Roku screens, leaving fans with memories of a quieter, ad-free view.
