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#SaveTheOOF: Roblox removes famous 'oof' sound due to copyright issues, upset fans say 'just buy it'

The sound, which plays when the main character dies during gameplay, enjoys cult status and has been recycled countless times across TikTok and YouTube

The iconic game Roblox has removed its famous 'oof' sound due to copyright issues. The sound, which plays when the main character dies during gameplay, enjoys cult status and has been recycled countless times across TikTok and YouTube.

The game sound was made a premium or paid item after the copyright dispute began a few years ago. "Related to sounds, due to a licensing issue we have removed the “oof” sound from Roblox and have created a replacement default sound which launches today. We plan to expand our Avatar Shop with a whole range of both old and new sounds in the future. More to come on this," read the official statement.

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"Our roadmap includes the ability to add sounds by getting them directly from the creators and licensors. Users will also be able to customize sounds for their avatars in the same way they customize clothing," it added.

Following the announcement from the game makers, a hilarious trend on Twitter emerged with the hashtag “savetheoof”. Many users also expressed anger over the removal of the famous sound. 

However, there were a few who appreciated the transparency of the company's announcement and praised the move to let game players choose sounds. One user said: "#SaveTheOOF Roblox you are a multi-billion dollar company, just buy the sound" while another wrote, "As much as this sucks, we really appreciate the transparency here. I think having the ability to choose your own avatar death sounds is a great move and I'm looking forward to it."

Who created the 'oof' sound?

The “oof” sound wasn’t produced by team members at Roblox; it was in fact created by Tommy Tallarico, a former video game composer and CEO of the struggling company Intellivision.

When Tallarico first came across Roblox’s use of the sound effect, which was originally created for the FPS Messiah in 2000, he agreed to a deal with Roblox where anyone using the Roblox game experience could pay $1 (or 100 Robux) to have the sound in their dashboard. Tallarico also got to “develop other paid sounds for Roblox”. However, as things stand, the agreement is now facing conflict or legal trouble. Nonetheless, it is sad news for Roblox fans, who now have to do with other sounds in their repertoire.

Meanwhile, the 'oof' sound had undoubtedly gained iconic or cult status throughout the world. It will continue to remain in memory with the help of viral videos or content across social media platforms, especially in short-form content such as on TikTok and Instagram Reels.

How 'oof' sounds?

Here's how 'oof' actually sounds. Don't miss the agonizing yet relief-filled feeling! Check out the video below:

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