Singapore's over-the-top streaming site HOOQ officially shut down its services on April 30, 2020.
An official statement from HOOQ, uploaded on HOOQ Philippines's social media account, was released April 29.
The statement read: "Big laughs, bigger thrills, amazing action, heartfelt drama — our hearts are full having shared those moments with you. However, all stories have to end.
"On April 30, 2020, we're saying goodbye. From all of us, thank you for staying HOOQ'd over the past 5 years.
"Maraming salamat po."
A joint venture of Sony Pictures, Warner Bros, and Singtel, HOOQ opened its services in 2015.
Housing a variety of local and international movies, HOOQ served five Asian countries: Philippines, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Singapore.
HOOQ was actually named Best Mobile App in the Media, Film, TV, or Video category at the Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards held in Barcelona, Spain, in 2016.
In the Philippines, HOOQ was home to movies by Regal Films, VIVA Films, Star Cinema, as well as TV shows from ABS-CBN and GMA-7.
In 2019, VIVA Films's Ulan, starring Nadine Lustre, became HOOQ's first original movie in the Philippines.
On March 27, 2020, HOOQ filed for liquidation.
In a statement released by HOOQ, which was also published by Digital TV Europe, the OTT company said: "Global and local content providers are increasingly going direct, the cost of content remains high, and emerging-market consumers’ willingness to pay has increased only gradually amid an increasing array of choices.
"Because of these changes, a viable business model for an independent, OTT distribution platform has become increasingly challenged. As a result, HOOQ has not been able to grow sufficiently to provide sustainable returns nor cover escalating content costs and the continuous operating costs of an independent OTT distribution platform."
WHAT HAPPENs TO HOOQ'S SUBSCRIBERS?
According to Digital TV Europe, HOOQ has more than 80 million subscribers in these five countries, where each user pays a subscription fee.
What will happen to these active users who just paid for their subscription?
HOOQ answered in a statement sent to Revu.com.ph.
The statement read: "HOOQ still remains open, so your subscription will continue until our operations cease. Any question[s] related to a change in operations would be handled only if and when that decision and change occurs."
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