# Roku Aquarium Screensaver Removed Following Fox Acquisition Artist Jim Sachs terminates licensing agreement citing ideological opposition to Fox's corporate ownership. - **Source:** [Mashable](https://mashable.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/f54395cd-e4fa-4974-85f9-1a76c84b5942 ## Aquatic Life Screensaver Removal Roku users will lose access to the popular Aquatic Life aquarium screensaver starting December 1. This change follows the recent $22 billion acquisition of Roku by Fox. The beloved digital fish tank, which provided a calming visual experience for over a decade, is being replaced by the company's default Roku City interface. ## Artist Terminates Licensing Agreement Jim Sachs, the creator of the screensaver, confirmed he chose not to renew his $80,000 annual licensing deal. Sachs stated he could not remain part of the Fox ecosystem due to his strong personal objections regarding the network's reputation. He explicitly refused to allow his artwork to be associated with their brand. ## Ideological Stance Against Fox Sachs described his decision as a protest against what he termed a rage-based business model. He expressed concern that his creative work might inadvertently lure viewers toward content he considers repugnant. The artist maintained that he would not reconsider the partnership unless the company takes responsibility for its perceived societal harm. ## Shift to Native Advertising Roku has increasingly utilized its screensavers as high-visibility placements for device advertising. While the Aquatic Life screensaver was ad-free, the replacement, Roku City, serves as a primary hub for native ad integration. This transition reflects a broader corporate strategy to maximize revenue through consistent, branded digital real estate on user devices. ## User Reaction and Sentiment Many long-term users expressed significant disappointment on social media platforms, citing the screensaver as a source of personal comfort. Some users shared emotional stories about how the aquarium provided solace during difficult life events. Conversely, others criticized the shift toward Roku City, labeling the change as a symptom of corporate encroachment. ## The Role of Roku City Roku City has developed a cult following, often featuring viral easter eggs and pop culture references to drive online engagement. Despite its popularity, critics argue that the move to force users into this environment prioritizes corporate advertising over user choice. The company has not publicly addressed the specific demands to restore the aquarium. ## Financial Implications of Deal The $22 billion merger between Fox and Roku has triggered significant operational changes beyond the screensaver issue. For Sachs, the $80,000 license represented his primary source of income, yet he prioritized his values over the financial security of the contract. This highlights the friction between independent creators and large-scale corporate media consolidation. ## Alternative Access Options While the screensaver is being removed from Roku devices, it remains available for download on other platforms. Users can still access the digital aquarium on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android systems. This allows fans to continue using the software independently, bypassing the restrictions imposed by the new ownership of the Roku platform. ## Sources covering this story - https://mashable.com/tech/what-happened-to-roku-aquatic-life-aquarium-screensaver — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._