Rooster Teeth, Warner Bros. Discovery, is shutting down after 21 years

Warner Bros. Discovery’s animation, comedy, and game studio Rooster Teeth is closing.

“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. 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 Jordan Levin, the general manager of Rooster Teeth.

As part of the closure, the Roost Podcast Network, which includes more than 80 podcasts, will continue to operate while WBD seeks outside interest to acquire the network. Other IPs such as Red vs Blue, RWBY and Gen:LOCK “remain in discussion,” the company said.

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the company was founded in 2003 and began with the launch of the web series Red vs. Blue, based on the video game Halo, and has since expanded into a podcast network that includes the animated web series RWBY and streaming Did. “Gen:LOCK” series starring Michael B. Jordan. The studio recently announced it has 150 employees, but it’s still unclear how many employees will be affected, given potential sales and some contractor positions.

“Every story reaches its final pages. Rooster Teeth’s closure isn’t merely an end; it reflects broader business dynamics. Monetization shifts, platform algorithms, advertising challenges, and the ebb and flow of patronage — all these converging factors have led to many closures in the industry,” Levin wrote.