In a shocking turn of events, Rooster Teeth, the esteemed animation, comedy, and gaming studio, is set to shut down after 21 years of shaping digital media landscapes. The announcement came via a heartfelt memo from General Manager Jordan Levin, detailing the challenges in the digital media realm, citing shifts in consumer behavior, monetization struggles, and evolving patronage.
The studio, known for its iconic creations like Red vs. Blue and RWBY, has been a pioneer since its inception in 2003. Founded by Burnie Burns, Matt Hullum, Geoff Ramsey, Jason Saldaña, Gus Sorola, and Joel Heyman, Rooster Teeth quickly rose to fame with its groundbreaking web series Red vs. Blue, set in the Halo universe. Over the years, the studio expanded its repertoire to include podcasts, anime series, gaming content, and even full-length feature films.
Rooster Teeth’s journey through various corporate ownerships, including Fullscreen and Warner Bros. Discovery, has been marked by a dynamic movement that transcended traditional media boundaries. Despite its successes, the studio faced controversies, notably accusations of fostering a toxic work environment, low pay, unpaid overtime, and instances of bigotry and harassment, as highlighted by former employees.
The closure announcement has left fans and industry insiders in disbelief, with many expressing their sadness on Twitter. Former employees, including Ashley Burns and Lawrence Sonntag, shared their mixed feelings, acknowledging both the challenges faced at Rooster Teeth and the friendships forged during their time there.
Moreover, the fate of Rooster Teeth’s beloved content, such as Red vs. Blue, RWBY, and gen:LOCK, remains uncertain. Warner Bros. Discovery is reportedly in talks to sell the rights to these animated series. Red vs. Blue is even set to release a final full-length feature film later this year, adding a bittersweet touch to the studio’s closure.
Amid the shutdown, The Roost Podcast Network, housing over 80 podcasts, will continue operations, as Warner Bros. Discovery explores outside interest for its acquisition. The podcast network remains a growing asset, unaffected by the studio’s closure.
The news has sparked discussions on social media platforms, with fans reminiscing about Rooster Teeth’s significant impact on their lives and careers. The studio’s closure reflects broader industry dynamics, including shifts in monetization, platform algorithms, advertising challenges, and the ebb and flow of patronage.
As the Rooster Teeth community grapples with the impending closure, the studio’s legacy as a trailblazer in digital content creation will undoubtedly endure. The impact of Rooster Teeth’s creative contributions, spanning animation, comedy, and gaming, will be felt for years to come. Despite the challenging final pages of its story, Rooster Teeth leaves an indelible mark on the media industry and the hearts of its dedicated global community.