The sound comes from the beta audio of Need for Speed Rivals, the 2013 arcade racing game where police and racers battle across Redview County and EMPs can disable rival cars. The locking-on cue plays while the device targets a vehicle, warning the player that a disabling blast is about to fire. Clips from the beta were later shared online by players and sound collectors, and the short alert has since been reused in racing edits, gaming montages and chase memes because its rising beeps instantly signal pursuit and danger.