Roblox has announced that the signature “oof” sound that plays when a player dies or resets has been removed from the game due to licensing issue. It will be replaced with a similar default sound. Roblox also announced that more sound effects will be added to the Avatar shop, along with the ability to customize sounds the same way that players can customize clothing. “We’re building towards a future where all creators can thrive. Any asset, including sounds, will have a presence in our Avatar Shop,” Roblox wrote on Twitter. “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.”
Roblox has dealt with copyright claims with the sound effect over the last few years. In 2020, video game composer Tommy Tallarico recognized the sound as one of his from a game called Messiah. The “oof” sound effect was removed from the game at the time and was put back in following an agreement between Tallarico and Roblox.
The “oof” sound effect became so popular, it was used into meme-fodder across the internet. Post Malone talked about using the sound effect for an entire 2-hour Coachella set.
We’ll have to wait and see whether ot not the “oof” sound returns to the game or not depending if Roblox can deal with the licensing issues that caused it in the first place.