Rooster Teeth, the cherished creators behind Red vs. Blue, are ceasing operations after a remarkable 21-year journey.
6 min read
Warner Bros. Discovery is currently in discussions to divest the rights to animated shows following the closure of the production company.
Rooster Teeth, renowned for creating animated series like Red vs. Blue and RWBY, is closing its doors after a 21-year legacy. General Manager Jordan Levin, posted on the official Rooster Teeth website, disclosed that the shutdown was prompted by the parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, being unable to secure a buyer for the production company.
The decision comes amidst challenges in the digital media landscape, marked by shifts in consumer behavior and monetization strategies across various platforms, advertising, and patronage. Levin expressed a poignant acknowledgment of Rooster Teeth’s impact, emphasizing that their legacy extends beyond content to the indelible pixels etched into screens, minds, and hearts. The complete memo is available for reading below.
| Dear Rooster Teeth, Since our founders created and uploaded their first video on the then-called World Wide Web in 2003, Rooster Teeth has been a source of creativity, laughter, and lasting innovation in the wildly volatile media industry. We’ve read the headlines about industry-wide layoffs and closures, and you’ve heard me give my perspective and updates on the rapidly changing state of media and entertainment during each of our monthly All Hands meetings. Since inheriting ownership and control of Rooster Teeth from AT&T following its acquisition of Time Warner, Warner Bros. Discovery continued its investment in our company, content and community. Now however, it’s with a heavy heart I announce that Rooster Teeth is shutting down due to challenges facing digital media resulting from fundamental shifts in consumer behavior and monetization across platforms, advertising, and patronage. Please note, the Roost team is not currently impacted by this action as the Roost Podcast Network will continue operating and fulfilling its obligations while WBD evaluates outside interest in acquiring this growing asset. We have many questions to answer in the coming days and weeks, and the opportunity to work together to implement the best way to wind things down for us and our community. We’re working through what comes next in real time, and we will be as open, direct, and accessible as possible. Thank you all in advance for your patience and support of one another. Let’s take a moment to celebrate our 21-year contribution to the zeitgeist, advancing creativity and outlasting many of our peers from the early days of online video and digital-first content. **** TO A CREATIVE LEGACY **** From a garage in Buda, TX, to global screens large and small, our teams of dreamers and doers have introduced and grown what made Rooster Teeth stand out: animation, comedy, and gaming. From new forms of animated comedy with machinima to countless viral memes, including the Immortal Snail (aka Snail Assassin), to a US-born animated series embraced by Japan as anime, and record-breaking (at the time) crowdfunded movies. You’ve accomplished so much and made dreams come true here. You’ve turned original IP into video games, comic books, and VTubers. You’ve directed short videos, mo-cap, and films. You’ve puppeteered, hosted podcasts, and have built a thriving community that spans the globe. Your creativity knows no bounds, and you’ll continue contributing significantly to culture wherever your paths may take you. **** TO THOSE WHO COME FIRST **** Despite passing through many corporate owners, Rooster Teeth transcended a media business and was a dynamic movement that shaped the bond between communities, creators, and storytelling. Our founders didn’t have a blueprint for a media empire, but they got close to building one alongside a community that fueled its remarkable growth. In its earliest days, RT relied on community sponsorship through time, dollars, and unwavering passion. Volunteers evolved into staff, and the snowball effect grew, resulting in new relationships, marriages, births, and shared experiences that have changed lives. **** TO TRAILBLAZING CONTENT CREATION **** Our approach to content creation on emerging platforms paved the way for new media models. We inspired generations of creators across streaming, machinima, animation, let’s plays, merch drops, touring, podcasting, and more. Companies like GameStop, YouTube, Facebook, Spotify, and TikTok asked us to collaborate with them in their earliest days because we set a standard for what a digital-first brand could be. We boldly took our content beyond screens and into community-driven experiences. **** TO A CHANGING INDUSTRY **** Every story reaches its final pages. Rooster Teeth’s closure isn’t merely an end; it reflects broader business dynamics. Monetization shifts, platform algorithms, advertising challenges, and the ebb and flow of patronage—all these converging factors have led to many closures in the industry. While we learn about updates on programming day by day, we will share our plans for shows, franchises, partnerships, and merch soon and share those updates with teams internally and with the community on RoosterTeeth.com **** TO OUR FINAL SEASON **** Though not intentional, It’s only appropriate that our last season of “Red vs. Blue” coincides with us navigating this closure together. Our legacy is not just a collection of content but a history of pixels burned into our screens, minds, and hearts. Rooster Teeth has made an indelible mark on the media industry, and we should be so proud of the countless ways we pioneered a business connecting creators and content with a dedicated community. With respect, gratitude, and sincere appreciation, Jordan Levin |
As for the future of certain Rooster Teeth content, WB Discovery is currently engaged in negotiations for the sale of rights to its animated series, encompassing notable titles such as Red vs. Blue, RWBY, and gen:LOCK. Notably, Red vs. Blue is slated to unveil a final full-length feature film later this year. Despite the closure, The Roost, a podcast network featuring shows across diverse genres, will persist, although WB Discovery is actively exploring options to divest this division.
The announcement of Rooster Teeth’s shutdown prompted an outpouring of sadness from both fans and former employees on various social media platforms, such as X/Twitter. Among those expressing their sentiments were ex-employees Ashley Burns and Lawrence Sonntag, who parted ways with Rooster Teeth in 2019.
Established in 2003 by Burnie Burns, Matt Hullum, Geoff Ramsey, Jason Saldaña, Gus Sorola, and Joel Heyman, Rooster Teeth Productions underwent significant transitions over the years. In 2014, it was acquired by Fullscreen, and later, in 2018, became part of Warner Bros. Discovery following the joint venture Otter Media by AT&T and Chernin Group. Initially, it operated under the Warner Media umbrella until 2022, when the merger of Discovery, Inc., and WarnerMedia gave rise to Warner Bros. Discovery.
Rooster Teeth’s inaugural production, the web series Red vs. Blue, set in the Halo sci-fi shooter universe, swiftly became a company sensation. Beyond animated shows and podcasts, Rooster Teeth diversified its portfolio into various media forms, embracing Let’s Plays, video game development programming, live-action shows, and even full-length feature films, such as its debut sci-fi comedy, Lazer Team.
The company did not escape controversy, notably facing allegations of fostering a toxic work environment. Accusations included issues like low pay, unpaid overtime, a demanding crunch culture, and former employees speaking out about instances of bigotry and harassment during their tenure at Rooster Teeth.
