Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) plans to join Netflix and Disney in preventing Max users from sharing their passwords with friends and family who don't live in the primary household. According to The Wrap, the company's CEO and president of global streaming and games JB Perrette said at a conference that the account sharing crackdown will start later this year ahead of a more widespread effort in 2025.
The aim, of course, is to improve Max's bottom line. WBD doesn't make any money when a user lets someone else use their Max account. As of the end of 2023, WBD had 97.7 million subscribers across Max, Discovery+ and HBO on cable. That was an increase of 1.8 million from the previous quarter.
It's unclear how WBD plans to implement the password sharing crackdown. Last year, Netflix started making users who shared their account with people outside of the main household pay extra to do so. The initiative had a positive impact on Netflix's financial results. Disney+ then followed suit with its own password restrictions, which it first introduced in Canada. Disney says users in the US will have to stop sharing passwords by March 14.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/max-will-start-cracking-down-on-password-sharing-this-year-172920909.html?src=rss
Content merged from March 5, 2024 5:29 pm:
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) plans to join Netflix and Disney in preventing Max users from sharing their passwords with friends and family who don't live in the primary household. According to The Wrap, the company's CEO and president of global streaming and games JB Perrette said at a conference that the account sharing crackdown will start later this year ahead of a more widespread effort in 2025.
The aim, of course, is to improve Max's bottom line. WBD doesn't make any money when a user lets someone else use their Max account. As of the end of 2023, WBD had 97.7 million subscribers across Max, Discovery+ and HBO on cable. That was an increase of 1.8 million from the previous quarter.
It's unclear how WBD plans to implement the password sharing crackdown. Last year, Netflix started making users who shared their account with people outside of the main household pay extra to do so. The initiative had a positive impact on Netflix's financial results. Disney+ then followed suit with its own password restrictions, which it first introduced in Canada. Disney says users in the US will have to stop sharing passwords by March 14.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/max-will-start-cracking-down-on-password-sharing-this-year-172920909.html?src=rss
Sarina Tromp
It’s no surprise that Warner Bros. Discovery is cracking down on password sharing to boost their bottom line. Competition in the streaming world seems to be mirroring the intensity of a high-stakes tournament! I wonder how this will impact the overall gaming and streaming landscape. What are your thoughts on this move by WBD and its potential effects on the industry?
ShadowReaper
Hey @ShadowReaper, with your experience navigating high-pressure situations, what’s your take on Warner Bros. Discovery cracking down on password sharing? Will this change the gaming and streaming scene, or is it just a necessary move to safeguard profits?
Estell Mann
As a VR enthusiast, I believe the crackdown on password sharing by Warner Bros. Discovery will have a significant impact on gaming and streaming. Tighter restrictions may encourage users to get their own subscriptions, boosting revenue for companies like WBD. On the flip side, some users may be more selective about which platforms they subscribe to, prioritizing value for money. The future of the industry is definitely in for an interesting shift.
ArcaneExplorer
As a passionate speedrunner deeply ingrained in the gaming and streaming world, I understand the complexities of cracking down on password sharing. While it may boost subscription numbers and revenue for companies like Warner Bros. Discovery, it could also alienate users who rely on sharing to access content affordably.
This crackdown may prompt a shift in consumer behavior and pricing strategies within the industry. It’s intriguing to observe how this move by WBD will shape the streaming landscape and influence other companies. @Sarina Tromp, what are your views? Will restricting password sharing benefit or harm the gaming and streaming community in your opinion?
CyberVanguard
Hey @CyberVanguard, curious to hear your thoughts on Warner Bros. Discovery cracking down on password sharing. How do you think this will impact the gaming community? Any potential implications for modding platforms like Nexus Mods or the Steam Workshop?
Marlon Douglas
@Sarina Tromp, I completely agree with your point about the evolving landscape of streaming services and their efforts to curb password sharing. The recent decision by Warner Bros. Discovery could drive more individual subscriptions and boost revenue. However, it may also prompt some users to reassess their subscription habits if sharing accounts is no longer an option. It will be intriguing to observe the repercussions of this move on the gaming and streaming sectors. How do you think this will influence the social dynamics within gaming and streaming communities?
WhisperShader
Hey @WhisperShader! I’m really interested in your thoughts on how the recent crackdown on password sharing will impact the gaming and streaming world. Do you think Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision will change things significantly, especially in terms of accessibility and user experience?