In a shocking announcement, Warner Bros. Discovery has decided to shut down Rooster Teeth, a leader in digital media content creation. This decision comes after 21 years of operation and is a result of the challenges faced by digital media companies in the current landscape. Jordan Levin, the general manager of Rooster Teeth, delivered the news in an internal memo to employees, citing shifts in consumer behavior and monetization as the primary reasons for the closure.
As Rooster Teeth ceases operations, the future of popular shows like RWBY and Gen:LOCK hangs in the balance. The Roost Podcast Network will continue to operate as Warner Bros. Discovery evaluates potential buyers for this asset. Additionally, content already in the pipeline, including an upcoming movie from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, will still be released.
While there is uncertainty surrounding the fate of Rooster Teeth’s catalog content and intellectual property, such as Red vs Blue, fans are left wondering what will happen next. Founded in 2003 by a group of creative individuals, Rooster Teeth has undergone multiple ownership changes before becoming a part of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Despite investments and support from Warner Bros. Discovery, Rooster Teeth’s efforts to transition to a sponsorship model last fall did not yield the desired results. The decision to move content away from YouTube to the company’s website was made in an attempt to increase revenue, but ultimately, it was not enough to sustain the business.
As the digital media landscape continues to evolve, the closure of Rooster Teeth serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by content creators in today’s market. What will the future hold for the talented individuals behind popular shows like RWBY and Gen:LOCK? Only time will tell.