Rooster Teeth Shutting Down: Red vs. Blue Creators Cease Operations

Warner Bros. Discovery in talks to sell rights to animated shows as Rooster Teeth production company shuts down after 21 years.

Warner Bros. Discovery is currently in discussions to sell the rights to popular animated shows as Rooster Teeth, the renowned production company behind hits like Red vs. Blue and RWBY, announces its closure after 21 years of operation.

In a heartfelt memo shared by General Manager Jordan Levin on the Rooster Teeth official website and obtained by IGN, it was revealed that the company is shutting down due to challenges faced by digital media in light of significant shifts in consumer behavior and monetization strategies across various platforms.

Despite efforts by Rooster Teeth's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, to sell the production company as early as 2021, the decision was made to cease operations. Levin expressed the sentiment that Rooster Teeth's legacy goes beyond just content, as it has left a lasting impact on screens, minds, and hearts.

As part of the shutdown, WB Discovery is exploring options to sell the rights to Rooster Teeth's animated series, including Red vs. Blue, RWBY, and gen:LOCK. Red vs. Blue is set to release a final full-length feature film later this year. The Roost, a podcast network with a diverse range of shows, will continue to operate, but its future remains uncertain as WB Discovery also looks to sell off this division.

Following the announcement of Rooster Teeth's closure, fans and former employees, including individuals like Ashley Burns and Lawrence Sonntag, expressed their sadness on social media platforms like Twitter. Rooster Teeth Productions, founded in 2003 by a group of individuals before being acquired by Fullscreen in 2014 and eventually becoming part of Warner Bros. Discovery in 2018, has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry with its innovative content.

From its inception with the success of Red vs. Blue to expanding into various forms of media such as podcasts, Let's Plays, video game development, and feature films like Lazer Team, Rooster Teeth has left a lasting legacy. However, the company has also faced controversies, including allegations of fostering a toxic work environment with issues like low pay, unpaid overtime, and claims of bigotry and harassment by former employees.

As Rooster Teeth bids farewell, its impact on the entertainment industry and the hearts of fans will be remembered. The future of its beloved shows and content remains uncertain as discussions continue with Warner Bros. Discovery regarding the sale of rights to animated series.