SKY customers disappointed by the loss of a service that promised to “transform the way you use your TV” may have an alternative on the cards.
The broadcasting giant has started issuing refunds of up to £290 for those affected by the closure.
Sky Live was launched back in June 2023 as a camera accessory for Sky Glass.
It enabled users to play games by moving around, as well as watch football matches on Sky Sports with friends virtually, and send video cards to others too.
The gaming element was particularly popular with kids, with access to big names like Peppa Pig, Lego Ninjago and Scooby Doo Sandwich Stack.
However, it appears a US firm Sky partnered with on Sky Live may be preparing to go it alone with a similar device next year.
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Nex Playground offers the same motion-enabled games seen on Sky Live.
It’s been available in the US for a while now but one Sky customer spotted that Nex may be plotting a proper UK launch in early 2026.
And because the project isn’t attached to Sky it would mean anyone can use it, not just those with Sky Glass as was required with Sky Live.
Nex Playground can already be bought through Amazon US but it comes with steep shipping costs.
A poster on Reddit who claims to be Nex Playground co-founder David Lee said: “We are expanding to U.K. next year.”
That was shared on the social network only nine days ago in response to a UK based customer wanting to buy Nex Playground.
Lee has previously posted on Facebook saying the company is “looking into options to make it available” in the UK.
The Sun has approached Nex Playground for clarity.
Nex Playground costs $249, which works out to about £190.
A 12 month pass to access the games costs $89 / £68 for a year.
Sky Live cost £290 to buy outright or £6 per month on a 48-month plan with a Sky Glass subscription – but had no on-going subscription cost once the device’s cost was paid up.
The service is due to shut down on December 4.
When announcing the closure earlier this month, a Sky rep said: “Innovation has always been at the heart of Sky,
“This year we’ve expanded our Sky Glass range to offer more choice, launched the UK’s fastest broadband speeds from any major provider, and continued to invest in making the TV experience even better.
“Sky Live was part of that journey, and we’re proud of the ambition behind it. It’s given us valuable learnings that are helping to shape the future of our products.
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“The most popular feature was gaming, which is why we’ve continued to bring even more games to Sky Glass and Sky Stream, with something for everyone in the family, including Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.
“We’re focusing our investment where it matters most to customers — faster, simpler products, unbeatable content and brilliant service. Customers who purchased Sky Live will be refunded.”
SKY LIVE REFUNDS
Sky Live customers have started to receive their refunds.
Sky Live was available to buy up front or on a monthly subscription.
Upfront, it cost £290 with no further costs.
There were two pay monthly options:
- £6 per month for 48 months
- £12 per month for 24 months
Sky is offering a full refund for the amount you’ve paid.
While an inconvenience for those loved using Sky Live, a full refund is quite generous – most tech companies only offer a partial refund when products stop working sooner than expected.
It will essentially mean you got access to Sky Live for free all this time.
Now, if you paid upfront, you’ll get a full refund within three weeks automatically to the saved payment method on your Sky account.
For those who paid monthly, Sky will cancel any future payments outstanding and refund everything you’ve paid so far.
One important caveat for both – if you owe Sky money on your bill for other services like TV or broadband, the refund total will pay for this first and what ever is left will go back into your bank account.
If you bought Sky Live second hand you’re out of luck – only those who bought it directly from Sky can get a refund.
