Catan started as a tabletop strategy game in which players collect resources, trade and build roads, settlements and cities to expand across the island. Building a road is one of its most repeated actions, because connected roads unlock new building spots and count toward the longest road. Digital versions of the game added short feedback sounds for each placement, and clips of those sounds began circulating among board-game fans and streamers. The road-building sound remains popular because it is instantly recognisable to players and fits short gameplay moments.