Why has Rooster Teeth been shut down? The demise of one of the original YouTube channels

Rooster Teeth, the pioneering online entertainment company best known for its comedic machinima series “Red vs. Blue,” has officially shut down after 21 years.

“Warner Bros. Discovery thanks Rooster Teeth’s groundbreaking creators and partners, and the strong management team, for their many years of success,” the parentcompany said in a statement. “Your passionate and loyal fans are testament to your achievements.”

The announcement of the closure, attributed to “challenges facing digital media,” came as a shock to fans and the industry.

The company’s impact on online entertainment is undeniable. They were early adopters of online video content creation and monetisation, paving the way for many other creators that now dominate the social media space. Their emphasis on community engagement fostered a loyal following, demonstrating the power of connecting directly with audiences.

The history of Rooster Teeth

Founded in 2003 by a group of friends in Austin, Texas, Rooster Teeth quickly rose to fame with “Red vs. Blue,” a show using the video game Halo’s engine to tell a humorous story of two rival teams of soldiers.

The company’s success went beyond “Red vs. Blue.” They fostered a vibrant online community through their website and the “Rooster Teeth Podcast,” building a loyal fanbase affectionately known as “The Rooster Teeth Community” or “The RT Community.” This community was instrumental in the company’s growth, providing feedback, attending the company’s major RTX live event, and supporting their endeavors.

Fans are understandably concerned and disappointed about the unknown future of “RWBY,” Rosster Teeth’s long-running anime. There’s a possibility that another production company might acquire the rights to the show and choose to continue its story though this would depend on various factors and negotiations, and there’s no current indication of such plans.

However, the company was dogged by controversies in its last years, especially with regards to its workplace culture. In one case there were accusations of workplace misconduct surfaced against Ryan Haywood, one of the hosts of the popular “Achievement Hunter” series. Allegations of inappropriate conduct, including sending explicit messages to fans, led to Haywood’s departure from Rooster Teeth and a significant backlash from the community.