The ring sound debuted with Sonic the Hedgehog on the Sega Genesis in 1991, where gold rings were both collectibles and protection, scattering when Sonic took damage if he held at least one. The short chime became one of the most recognisable cues in gaming as the series continued across consoles, cartoons and films. Clips and edits later carried it beyond the games, with creators using the ding whenever a character grabs coins, points or loot, because listeners instantly read it as a successful pickup.