That Sound Game: The Audio-Based Game Everyone's Talking About
That Sound Game (called “Bruitages” in French) is a wildly fun party game built around a simple yet brilliant idea: make your team guess words using only sounds and gestures — not a single spoken word allowed.
Created in Melbourne by two friends, Nat and Cam, during the Covid lockdowns, the game quickly became a viral hit on TikTok, with millions of views and thousands of laughing players. It has now sold over 200,000 copies globally and won the 2024 Game of the Year award at the ATA Awards.
How Does It Work?
Each round, one player is chosen as the “noise maker” and must help their team guess as many words as possible in 60 seconds. But here’s the twist: they can only use sounds (vocal effects, rhythm, mouth percussion…) and gestures — with their hands behind their back! Words come from themed cards (places, objects, actions, animals, etc.).
It feels a bit like Time’s Up or charades, but by relying solely on sound, it creates a truly original and often hilarious experience where vocal creativity takes the spotlight.
A Treasure for Sound Enthusiasts
For sound lovers, foley artists, or audio students, That Sound Game is more than just a party game. It’s a hands-on way to explore sonic clarity, expressive rhythm, and the art of turning everyday sounds into effective communication. It’s also a fantastic tool to practice active listening and spontaneous sound creation.
Expansions and Editions for Every Taste
The base game comes with several optional expansions, like the “Turbo Pack” for faster rounds, or the “Unhinged” and “X-Rated” packs for more risqué content. It’s available in several languages (French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese…), and the sound-based gameplay works across cultures without losing its humor.
Online Buzz and Real-Life Laughs
The community around the game is active and passionate, with thousands of enthusiastic reviews and hilarious gameplay clips online. Whether it’s with family, friends, or as an icebreaker at a party, That Sound Game always delivers laughter and surprises. Even the shyest players tend to let loose after a round or two!
Conclusion
That Sound Game proves that you don’t need fancy gear or complex rules to create an unforgettable moment. With just a deck of cards and some creative sound-making, this game turns your next gathering into a chaotic, joyful, and noisy celebration of sound. It’s a playful tribute to our universal ability to communicate — without words.
So… what sound would YOU make to describe a “toaster”?