Rooster Teeth, a long-running staple of digital content has been shut down by Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) after 21 years. Founded in 2003 by Burnie Burns, Matt Hullum, Geoff Ramsey, Jason Saldaña, Gus Sorola, and Joel Heyman, Rooster Teeth made a name for itself within online communities for its popular Red vs. Blue series. Eventually, it was merged into WBD following AT&T’s acquisition of TimeWarner. Rooster Teeth general manager Jordan Levin announced the shutdown in an internal company memo Wednesday afternoon.
“Since inheriting ownership and control of Rooster Teeth from AT&T following its acquisition of TimeWarner, 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.” wrote Levin.
According to Levin, the team behind The Roost Podcast Network will continue operations “while WBD evaluates outside interest in acquiring this growing asset.” Rooster Teeth content currently in production will remain as well as its other franchises, Red vs. Blue, RWBY, and Gen: LOCK, which WBD will be “exploring other options for.” Additionally, Levin announced that its long-running series Red vs. Blue would be ending after its current 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.” Levin wrote.
Levin ended the memo, by reflecting on Rooster Teeth’s lengthy history and the impact that it has had on the online space. He also noted that any future developments will be communicated openly with fans and thanked everyone for their support. Following the announcement, WBD released a statement praising Rooster Teeth for their years of success.
“Warner Bros. Discovery thanks Rooster Teeth’s groundbreaking creators and partners, and the strong management team, for their many years of success,” the company said in a statement. “Your passionate and loyal fans are [a] testament to your achievements,” wrote WBD.
Deadline estimated Rooter Teeth’s dismantling to take up to several months.
