Why was the Roblox oof sound removed?

TL;DR

Roblox removed the famous “oof” death sound in 2022 due to a licensing dispute with composer Tommy Tallarico, who owned the original audio from a 2000 game called “Messiah.”


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The Licensing Issue Behind the Removal

Roblox removed the iconic “oof” death sound in July 2022 due to a licensing dispute with Tommy Tallarico, a video game composer who claimed ownership of the sound. The sound effect originally came from a 2000 game called “Messiah” that Tallarico worked on, and he had been seeking proper compensation for its use in Roblox for years.

What Happened During the Transition

When Roblox couldn’t reach a licensing agreement with Tallarico, they decided to replace the sound entirely rather than pay ongoing royalties. The company introduced a new default death sound that many players found less memorable and impactful than the original “oof.”

Initially, Roblox offered the original sound as a purchasable audio option for 100 Robux, allowing developers to add it back to their games if they wanted. However, this option was also eventually removed from the platform.

Player and Developer Reactions

The removal sparked significant backlash from the Roblox community. Many players had grown attached to the distinctive sound over the platform’s 16-year history, considering it an integral part of the Roblox experience. Some developers created workarounds by uploading similar-sounding effects, though these alternatives never quite captured the original’s charm.

The Broader Impact on Audio

This incident was part of Roblox’s larger audio overhaul in 2022, which affected how sounds and music worked across the platform. The company implemented stricter policies around copyrighted audio content, requiring developers to be more careful about the sounds they used in their games.

While the “oof” sound may be gone, its legacy lives on in Roblox memes and community memories, and you can still experience plenty of exciting gameplay in the many creative worlds that make this platform special.

Who this is for: Roblox players curious about platform changes and gaming history enthusiasts.

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Joyst1ck

Gaming Writer & HTML5 Developer

Answering gaming questions—from Roblox and Minecraft to the latest indie hits. I write developer‑focused HTML5 articles and share practical tips on game design, monetisation, and scripting.

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