There’s a particular bird call from Age of Empires that keeps popping into my head long after I’ve stopped playing. It’s not just in the game either. I’ve caught myself hearing that same unmistakable chirp layered into pop tracks, drifting through movie soundscapes, and even sneaking into other video games. It’s become a kind of unexpected audio footprint, much like the Wilhelm Scream but with birdsong.
This little sound effect manages to lodge itself in the background of various media in such a way that it feels both familiar and oddly out of place. For anyone who’s spent time with Age of Empires, that specific bird call is instantly recognizable — and once it’s in your brain, it’s hard to shake. The way it surfaces in completely unrelated contexts almost turns it into an inside joke for those who know it.
It’s fascinating how a simple piece of sound design can ripple out across pop culture like this, creating connections you wouldn’t expect. Age of Empires may be known for its strategic gameplay, but its ambient audio has clearly earned its own quiet legacy, echoing far beyond its RTS roots.
Source: pcgamer.com
