Summary
The prolific 3D animated web seriesRWBYhas expanded into a franchise since it began in 2013, but the future state of the IP is now in limbo due to the circumstances of its owner, Rooster Teeth, shutting down. The ongoing story follows the titular team in the world of Remnant as they face monsters known as the Grimm and a growing set of personal issues within the overall cast. It has been able to complete nine Volumes, equivalent to traditional seasons, along with representation across several other projects. With the state of theRWBYfranchise dealing with ups and downs for years now, however, opportunities left by its major behind-the-scenes shifts may allow the series to find its footing once again.
After what many outspoken fans have viewed as a decline over the past few years, the media companyRooster Teeth is coming to an endafter 21 years, with owner Warner Bros. Discovery now apparently shopping out its respective IPs. This situation might not come as a surprise to those aware of RT’s multiple controversies and the state of its more recent projects when compared to its glory days, but it has come as even more of a shock toRWBYfans who were expecting a satisfying Volume 10 to provide a proper conclusion. Despite this uncertainty, the series' history of appearing in video games still leaves the door open for its ending to be handled in a different medium.
The Legacy of RWBY Goes Beyond the Web Series
A Decade-Long Run Under Rooster Teeth
Animator Monty Oum originally got his start at the company by contributing toRooster Teeth’sRed vs. Bluemachinima series, but he would eventually bring new levels of hype to RT whenRWBYpremiered in 2013. The first two volumes would be characterized by Oum’s signature, action-movie-inspired animation style, but his tragic passing would come before the third was even finished. Oum’s vision has remained alive through seven more volumes in his absence, but there are plenty of fans who feel that changes strayed away from the qualities that madeRWBYso special in the first place as time passed. It had still persisted as a huge part of Rooster Teeth over the past few years, but being bought up by another company might allowRWBYto reach the highs it was once known for.
RWBY’s Presence in Other Franchises
Given its unique format and distribution, it’s no surprise that many people first discoveredRWBYthrough one of its multiple video game crossovers. Characters prominently appeared in titles such asSMITEandPaladinsas skins, but the most in-depthrepresentation ofRWBY’s castof all may be within Arc System Works’BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle. With the faithful movesets of Ruby, Weiss, Blake, Yang, and even Neopolitan making theirBB Tagiterations stand out among even some of the later official series material, handling the future ofRWBYin a game adaptation could bring the conclusion it deserves.
The Opportunity for a Publisher to Do Right by the RWBY IP
RWBY Volume 10 Could Find Its Footing as a Video Game
It’s technically an American creation, but the aesthetic ofRWBYmay serve to make it a viable property in the eyes of companies that are known for publishing anime titles, such as Bandai Namco. The in-houseGrimm EclipseandWayForward’sRWBY: Arrowfellhaven’t necessarily set a strong precedent for matching the quality of the 3D animated series, but the missed potential of these existing adaptations that has been noted by fans also shows that the source material is capable of far more.
Earlier contributors toRWBY, including Oum’s widow and animator Shane Newville who championed continuing Oum’s plans, might even be able to find their way back to the series under new ownership after a tumultuous parting with Rooster Teeth years ago. Regardless of wherethe future ofRWBYeventually lands, a new game that takes the place of its tenth volume may be able to provide fans with a sense of closure that is currently in limbo.
MORE:RWBY: Ruby’s Weapon and Semblance, Explained
