The sound comes from Half-Life 2, released by Valve in 2004, where the Combine are the masked soldiers enforcing alien rule over City 17. Their death noises were designed as radio transmissions cut short, giving every kill a distinctive electronic signature even off screen. As Half-Life 2 became a staple of PC gaming, the clips spread through Garry's Mod videos, machinima and early YouTube edits. The flatline beep remains familiar because it instantly signals a Combine unit is down without any dialogue or explanation needed.