Grand Theft Auto IV was released by Rockstar Games in 2008, and its mobile phone became central to the story, with protagonist Niko Bellic receiving missions and messages throughout Liberty City. Ringing 2 was one of the selectable tones on that phone, which helped make the sound instantly recognisable to players. Fans later ripped the clean loop for soundboards and edits, pairing it with later series sounds like the GTA V notification. It remains popular because it sounds like a genuine early smartphone ring rather than a cartoon effect.