Warner Bros. is shutting down Rooster Teeth, which could mean big changes for some favorite animated shows. This includes shows like Michael B Jordan’s Gen:Lock, the famous Red vs. Blue, and the anime-style series RWBY.
The Hollywood Reporter says Rooster Teeth is closing down because they couldn’t sell the company. Rooster Teeth’s boss, Jordan Levin, confirmed this on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
This news brings uncertainty and sadness for around 150 staff members, creators, and voice actors linked with its shows.
A memo obtained by Variety includes Levin’s message to employees: “[I]t’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.
Our legacy is not just a collection of content but a history of pixels burned into our screens, minds, and hearts.” Over the years, WBD tried to make the company profitable by hosting events, selling merchandise, and making staff cuts.
Rooster Teeth is trying to find new owners for its shows RWBY, Gen:Lock, and Red vs. Blue
Rooster Teeth has been around for more than 20 years and has created shows like RWBY, which many consider a standout example of Western anime.
It’s even ranked alongside popular series like Samurai Jack, Teen Titans, and Avatar: The Last Airbender in CBR’s list of the 10 Best Western Cartoons for Anime Fans.
While the future of these shows is uncertain, they’re not facing the same fate as Warner’s Coyote vs. Acme. Rooster Teeth is currently searching for new owners for RWBY, Gen:Lock, and Red vs. Blue.
Rooster Teeth is laying off more employees, adding to a growing trend in the entertainment world. Warner has been cutting jobs, and they’re not alone.
Epic Games let go of 800 staff members last year, and there are worries that Sony managing Disney’s home distribution might lead to more layoffs.
About Rooster Teeth
Rooster Teeth, based in Austin, Texas, is known for many things. It started in 2003 by Burnie Burns, Matt Hullum, Geoff Ramsey, Jason Saldaña, Gus Sorola, and Joel Heyman with the web series Red vs. Blue, based on the video game Halo.
Since then, they’ve become famous for their live-action shorts, comedy series, making video games, and hosting podcasts on food, fandom, lifestyle, and more. Their YouTube channel has over 9 million subscribers and billions of views.
The closure of the company might mean about 150 employees losing their jobs. Other contractors and creators will also be affected. WBD is now trying to sell its related assets, such as The RT Podcast, Anthony Padilla’s I Spent a Day With…, The Kinda Funny Podcast, and the podcast for the DC Max series Peacemaker.
Warner Bros. Discovery expressed gratitude in a statement, saying:
“Warner Bros. Discovery thanks Rooster Teeth’s groundbreaking creators and partners and the strong management team for their many years of success. Your passionate and loyal fans are testament to your achievements.”
