Wilhelm Scream

Wilhelm Scream is a concept that appears in 72 games

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Originally recorded in 1951, this sound effect has appeared in numerous films and video games.

While the Wilhelm Scream was originally produced for the 1951 film Distant Drums it has since become a ubiquitous sound effect in films, and has become a sort of inside joke for audio engineers and cinemaphiles. At least part of its popularity can be credited to sound designer Ben Burtt, who included it in every Star Wars and Indiana Jones movie. Its influence has since extended beyond films, and has appeared in a number of video games, from Twisted Metal 2 to more modern games like Metal Gear Solid 4 and Grand Theft Auto IV.

The Wilhelm's revival came from Star Wars series sound designer Ben Burtt, who tracked down the original recording (which he found as a studio reel labeled "Man being eaten by alligator"). Although Distant Drums was the first knownuse of the sound, Burtt named it after "Pvt. Wilhelm", a minor character who emitted the same scream in the 1953 film The Charge at Feather River.

You can listen to the Wilhelm scream here.

Wilhelm Scream games
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Name Platforms Developer
Rogue Warrior
PS3, X360, PC Rebellion
WET
released on Sept. 30, 2009
X360, PS3 Artificial Mind & Movement
Bionic Commando
released on May 18, 2009
X360, PC, PS3 GRIN
Halo Wars
released on March 3, 2009
X360 Ensemble Studios
Dash of Destruction
released on Dec. 17, 2008
XBLM NinjaBee
Buccaneer: The Pursuit of Infamy
released on Dec. 6, 2008
PC Stickman Games
Saints Row 2
released on Oct. 14, 2008
PS3, X360, PC Volition Incorporated
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
released on Sept. 16, 2008
X360, NGE, PS2, PS3, IPHN, PSP, WII, DS Halfbrick Studios, LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC, Krome Studios Melbourne, Krome Studios Pty Ltd., n-Space, Inc.
Bionic Commando Rearmed
released on Aug. 13, 2008
PSN, XBLM, PC GRIN
Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution
released on July 8, 2008
X360, DS, PS3 Firaxis Games


Concept Name: Wilhelm Scream
Appears in: 72 games
First appearance:
Aliases
We don't have any info about Wilhelm Scream's character. Help us fill it in!


Ryan
49 points

LordAndrew
10 points

Womble
8 points

Lies
8 points

Jeff
4 points


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