The Streaming Wars Brought Piracy Back From the Dead
This comic sums up the streaming era perfectly. Back in 2012, Netflix made watching shows online simple and affordable. We left illegal downloads behind. Fast forward to today, and every network has its own subscription. Suddenly, convenience turned into frustration — too many platforms, too many paywalls.
The business lesson
When you make something easy and affordable, people are happy to pay for it. But make it complicated, and they’ll find workarounds. The lesson? Simplicity sells better than exclusivity.
What this comic gets right
- People left piracy for convenience, not morals.
- Subscription overload makes streaming feel like old-school cable again.
- Fragmented content forces users to choose between paying more or breaking the rules.
Who’s caught in this trap
Netflix began as the single go-to streaming hub, but competition and content splits fragmented their offering.
Disney+ launched its own service to control its IP, forcing fans to subscribe separately.
HBO Max and other major players like Paramount+ each introduced unique platforms, scattering viewer loyalty.