Integration of HBO Max onto devices supporting the Roku platform has been delayed since launch. The reasoning for postponed integration is because Warner Brothers (Owners of HBO Max) want industry-control of released content. Third-party suppliers aren’t warranted in the new era of streaming, with Roku working diligently to avoid consumers not having access to HBO Max.

Negotiations continue for Roku & HBO Max to finalize an agreement, with Executives at Warner Brothers pleading that integration is arriving shortly. Promises have been made that discussions will favour WB Pictures while providing consumers with content from HBO Max. It appears that Warner Brothers is confident they’ve got the financial resources to contest Roku. How WB Pictures plans on having primary control of content released on Roku hasn’t been defined. Executives likely don’t understand the extent of streaming technology, having worked exclusively with film & television for decades.

Prognostication won’t be permitted under statements issued by Warner Brothers. Verbal warnings from WB Pictures is bullish behaviour meant to prompt fear into Roku. Sentiments after those verbal warnings revert towards praising Roku, with Executives mentioning that Roku has been a formidable partner behind streaming & that HBO Max is dedicated to reaching an agreement.

Fighting with Netflix

HBO Max launched in May 2020, competing against multiple services for market dominance. Unlike numerous streaming services that’ve struggled to ascertain consumers like Quibi, HBO Max saw immediate interest amongst household viewers. Rivals like Netflix & Disney+ are finding small percentages of customers leave their platforms for Warner Brothers streaming service.

There’s potential that WB Pictures could shift the market into their favour. However, Netflix will contest market growth for HBO Max. Netflix has successfully eliminated multiple streaming services & will likely continue holding prominent market share, even with HBO Max partnering with Roko shortly. Popularity for HBO Max is anticipated to increase whenever negotiations are completed with Roku.