The iconic Roblox Oof sound, which has been the default death sound in the game since it originally launched in 2006, has been removed due to licensing issues. It's been replaced with a new default sound, but you'll probably see the original Oof popping up for sale in an expanded Avatar Shop sometime soon.
Why was the Roblox Oof sound removed?
The developers of Roblox announced that the Oof sound would be removed over on the official Roblox Twitter account yesterday, citing a "licensing issue". Roblox says it plans to expand its Avatar Shop in future in order to offer sounds and other assets for sale directly from creators and licensors, so there's a good chance you'll see Oof reappearing sometime in the future. Of course, you'll presumably have to fork over your hard-earned Robux for it, for such is the way of capitalism and licensing.
What is the new Roblox death sound?
For now, there's a new Roblox death sound in town. It's got more of an "uff" quality to it, and is a bit breathier than the classic "oof". Helpfully, the Roblox fan wiki has already captured the new sound, and the old Oof is also available to listen to there for posterity as well. Give it a listen and see what you think, but do bear in mind that whatever your opinion might be, it doesn't look like Roblox is going back to the old sound anytime soon, so you'll likely have to get used to the new one.
If you think it's less iconic than the old sound, well, you're not alone. A Twitter hashtag campaign, #SaveTheOof, has sprung up, with fans suggesting that Roblox simply purchase the rights to the sound or decrying what they perceive to be the lower quality of the new sound. Looks like it's going to take some time for people to get used to it (assuming they ever do, of course).
What is the licensing issue that led to the Roblox Oof sound being removed?
The licensing issue mentioned by the Roblox creators actually involves Tommy Tallarico, former Intellivision CEO and architect of the ill-fated Intellivision Amico. The Oof sound originates from a 2000 PC game by the name of Messiah; the sound plays as Messiah's main character bounces across a cratered surface, making a series of impact noises including the Oof in question. Tallarico originally agreed to postpone the removal of the Oof sound back in 2020, settling with the Roblox team over its inclusion "until the Developers' Marketplace is launched". It looks like Roblox wasn't willing to pay the licensing fee in order to keep the sound in the game, or perhaps Tallarico wasn't willing to license it to them anymore. Either way, you can still purchase the Oof sound, among many other sound effects, from Tallarico's official website, should you wish to.
This isn't the first time Roblox has run into licensing issues involving sounds. Back in June last year, the game was sued by the National Music Publishers' Association, which cited improper use of songs by artists such as Ariana Grande, deadmau5, and Ed Sheeran, among others. Despite this, music remains important to the Roblox world; in September 2021, the game held its first listening party, celebrating the release of singer Poppy's album Flux. We'll have to wait and see what happens regarding the Roblox Oof sound, but for now, if you want to use it, you'll either have to buy it from Tommy Tallarico's website or wait until it becomes available via the Avatar Shop.
