Roblox’s biggest breakout game of 2025, Steal A Brainrot, has suddenly lost its most recognisable mascot. Tung Tung Tung Sahur, the wooden drum with a bat and a blank stare that became the face of the game, has been completely removed following a copyright dispute.
Over the weekend of September 13, players noticed that Tung Tung was nowhere to be found. His ramp entrance, his index slot, and even events tied to him had been wiped. Fans logging in were stunned, with TikTok and Discord quickly filling with memes, rumours, and even teary tributes to the fallen mascot.
A Cultural Phenomenon With Millions of Players
Since its launch, Steal A Brainrot has become a cultural juggernaut. At its peak, the Roblox hit pulled in over 24 million concurrent players, making it the biggest game on the platform’s history. Its mix of chaotic meme-fuelled gameplay and “brainrot” mascots turned it into more than just a Roblox success. The game has also spread into Fortnite and inspired countless spin-offs like Brainrot Evolution.
Characters such as Tung Tung, Tralalelo Tralala, and Burr Burr Patapim, all born out of surreal AI-generated memes, have become internet sensations in their own right. TikTok edits, YouTube videos with tens of millions of views, and countless fan-made stories cemented Tung Tung as the unofficial mascot of the entire brainrot phenomenon.
Why Was Tung Tung Removed?
Momentum Lab, the agency representing Indonesian TikToker and meme creator Noxa, says the removal wasn’t directly requested by them. According to their statement, developer Sammy decided to pull Tung Tung while legal negotiations over licensing were underway.
The agency argues that Steal A Brainrot has been generating millions in revenue by using characters like Tung Tung without a proper licence. “We were always open for discussion,” Momentum Lab said in a TikTok post, clarifying that Noxa didn’t force the removal and would actually like to see Tung Tung return.
Image via TikTok / MEMENTUM LABS
The takedown also spilled over into other titles such as Brainrot Evolution, making it clear that the copyright talks extend beyond just one game.
The Bigger Legal Question: Can You Copyright AI Creations?
Part of the controversy stems from the fact that Tung Tung was originally created with the help of AI image tools. Copyright law around AI-generated content is still a grey area. In the US, recent rulings say AI creations can only be protected if there’s clear human authorship behind them.
This raises a tricky question for Steal A Brainrot and similar games: who actually owns the rights to meme-based characters created with AI prompts but shaped by human creativity? Until the law catches up, disputes like this are likely to become more common.
Fans Mourn Roblox’s Pikachu
For fans, the legal talk doesn’t dull the heartbreak. Losing Tung Tung feels like Pokémon losing Pikachu or Mario vanishing from Nintendo. Social media has been flooded with memorial edits, angel-wing tributes, and even livestream “funerals” for the mascot. Popular creators like KreekCraft have weighed in, while younger players have reportedly been left in tears.
Despite the sadness, there is still hope. Momentum Lab insists they want Tung Tung to return once licensing talks are resolved. Until then, Steal A Brainrot’s biggest star remains missing, leaving fans waiting anxiously to see if their beloved mascot will come back.