Rooster Teeth, a pioneer in gaming content on YouTube, has been a household name for early adopters of the platform. With a history dating back two decades, Rooster Teeth is best known for producing the popular Red vs Blue series, a comedic machinima franchise based on Halo characters.
After a successful run of over twenty years, Rooster Teeth is set to close later this year. The closure coincides with the conclusion of the final season of Red vs Blue, marking a bittersweet end to an era. Owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, the decision to sunset the Rooster Teeth brand was described as ‘unintentional’ timing, but many longtime fans agree that it is a fitting conclusion.
The Enduring Influence
Rooster Teeth evolved over the years, diversifying its content beyond Halo and covering a wide range of gaming titles. It transitioned from a YouTube channel to a full-fledged organization with 150 employees spread across eight global locations. The company’s acquisition by Fullscreen in 2014, followed by the merger with Warner Bros. Discovery in 2022, set the stage for its eventual closure.
In a statement, RT’s general manager, Jordan Levin, announced the closure, citing challenges in digital media and shifts in consumer behavior and monetization as reasons for the decision. The closure of Rooster Teeth adds to the growing list of layoffs and studio closures in the gaming and esports industry, signaling a significant change in how content creators navigate revenue streams.
The shutdown process will unfold over several months, culminating in the closure of Rooster Teeth in 2024.
For the latest updates on the industry, follow Esports.net