Roblox’s iconic ‘Oof’ death sound effect has been temporarily disabled due to a Copywrite dispute with the original sound effect’s creator. When the sound effect is reactivated in the game players will need to pay around $1 or 100 ‘Robux’ (a currency which can be purchased by players to buy items in-game) in order to continue hearing their character making the Oof sound upon their character’s death.
First released in 2006 Roblox is an online multiplayer game that allows players to create their own games and worlds and share them with other players. The title is free to play however does contain in-game purchases which utilise the game’s virtual currency called Robux. Over the years the game’s ‘Oof’ sound effect has become a memorable and iconic part of its reputation becoming an internet meme in its own right.
The ‘Oof’ sound effect was originally created by game developer Tommy Tallarico for the action-adventure game Messiah which released on PC in 2000. The title sees players take the role of Bob, a cherub who is sent on a mission by God which sees them possessing various lifeforms as they attempt to save humanity in a sinister cyberpunk inspired word. The game released to average reviews and is considered a commercial flop. The game is currently available on GOG.
In a statement to the BBC Tallarico said:
“It was great that we were able to come to a resolution with Roblox and they were very accommodating of the situation. It’s kind of funny to think that out of all the things I’ve done over my 32 years in the video game industry… that for a new generation of video game players, I’m now just known as the Oof guy.”
Tommy Tallarico is currently the chief executive of Intellivision Entertainment which is currently set to release its Intellivision Amico. Which is intended to be a successor to the Intellivision which first released in 1979 and was discontinued in 1990. The Amico is set to release in April 2021.
Once purchased Roblox players will be able to Oof to their heart’s content.
The News that Roblox Players will now have to pay to Oof will no doubt come as a shock to fans of the game which is set to host a free virtual concert with Lil Nas X on November 13th.
Roblox is currently available on PC, Xbox One, iOS, and Android.
How do you feel about the news that Roblox players must now pay to Oof? Are you a fan of Roblox who is disappointed by this news? Will you be purchasing the sound effect? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to share this story with your friends who play the game.
