# Trombone Champ

> 2022 video game

**Wikidata**: [Q114071411](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q114071411)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trombone_Champ)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/trombone-champ

## Summary
Trombone Champ is a 2022 rhythm game developed by Brooklyn-based studio Holy Wow, where players simulate playing a trombone by clicking notes to the rhythm. It gained viral popularity for its humorous, unconventional approach to music gameplay.

## Key Facts
- **Developer/Publisher**: Holy Wow (United States, Brooklyn headquarters)
- **Release Dates**: 
  - Microsoft Windows: September 15, 2022
  - macOS: January 23, 2023
  - Nintendo Switch: September 14, 2023
- **Genre**: Rhythm game with crude humor
- **ESRB Rating**: Everyone 10+ (Crude Humor)
- **Platforms**: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch
- **Game Modes**: Single-player and multiplayer
- **Website**: https://www.trombonechamp.com/ (English)

## FAQs
### Q: What is Trombone Champ about?
A: It's a rhythm game where players simulate playing a trombone by clicking to hit notes in time with music, featuring humorous elements and crude humor.

### Q: Who created Trombone Champ?
A: It was developed and published by Holy Wow, an American video game studio based in Brooklyn.

### Q: When was Trombone Champ released?
A: The game first launched for Microsoft Windows on September 15, 2022, followed by macOS on January 23, 2023, and Nintendo Switch on September 14, 2023.

### Q: What platforms support Trombone Champ?
A: It is available on Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Nintendo Switch.

### Q: Is Trombone Champ suitable for all ages?
A: The game is rated ESRB Everyone 10+ due to crude humor content.

## Why It Matters
Trombone Champ represents a breakthrough for small independent studios in the rhythm game genre, demonstrating how unconventional themes can achieve viral success. Its unexpected popularity—spreading through social media as "the internet's new favorite video game"—highlighted the power of meme culture in gaming. The game also showed significant industry impact, earning nominations for major awards like the D.I.C.E. Award for Family Game of the Year and the British Academy Games Award for Debut Game, proving that innovative, low-budget titles can challenge AAA productions in both recognition and cultural relevance.

## Notable For
- **Viral Sensation**: Achieved widespread internet popularity in 2022 without traditional marketing.
- **Unique Theme**: First major rhythm game centered entirely on trombone gameplay.
- **Award Recognition**: Nominated for D.I.C.E. Award for Family Game of the Year (2023) and BAFTA Debut Game Award (2023).
- **Developer Background**: Created by Holy Wow, a tiny studio with minimal prior recognition before this title.
- **Distribution Milestone**: Distributed exclusively via digital platforms (Steam, Nintendo eShop) without physical releases.

## Body
### Development
- Created by Holy Wow, an American studio headquartered in Brooklyn.
- Developed as a rhythm game with a focus on humor and unconventional instrumentation.

### Release History
- **Initial Release**: September 15, 2022 (Microsoft Windows)
- **macOS Launch**: January 23, 2023
- **Nintendo Switch Launch**: September 14, 2023

### Gameplay Mechanics
- Rhythm-based gameplay where players simulate trombone performance.
- Supports both single-player and multiplayer modes.
- Features crude humor as a core element of its design.

### Ratings and Recognition
- ESRB rating: Everyone 10+ (specifically for Crude Humor)
- Critical scores: OpenCritic Critics Recommend (91%), OpenCritic Top Critic Average (78/100)
- Award nominations: 
  - D.I.C.E. Award for Family Game of the Year (2023)
  - BAFTA Games Award for Debut Game (2023)

### Distribution
- Exclusively digital distribution via Steam and Nintendo eShop
- Steam application ID: 1059990
- No physical releases documented

### Technical Details
- Software engine: Unknown (Q63966 in Wikidata)
- Language: Primarily English
- Notable aliases: 长号英雄 (Chinese title)

## References

1. [Trombone Champ is the internet's new favorite video game. The developer never expected the toots to go viral.. 2022](https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/trombone-champ-internets-new-favorite-video-game-developer-never-expec-rcna48979)
2. Steam
3. OpenCritic
4. [Look Out Guitar Heroes. Trombone Champ Is Taking Over the Internet](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-23/look-out-guitar-heroes-trombone-champ-is-taking-over-the-internet)
5. [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1059990/view/3666527187726221231)
6. Nintendo eShop
7. [Source](https://twitter.com/Official_AIAS/status/1613605206465589248)
8. [Source](https://www.ouest-france.fr/gaming/elden-ring-god-of-war-stray-voici-les-jeux-video-nomines-pour-les-bafta-games-awards-6ee716fa-b90e-11ed-ad6f-faa675ef2bb3)
9. [(19) Trombone Champ - Topic - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxTTMi1VEZty-GG1hCCbHuQ)
10. [Trombone Champ - OpenCritic](https://opencritic.com/game/13718/trombone-champ)
11. [Trombone Champ - Twitch](https://www.twitch.tv/directory/game/Trombone%20Champ)
12. [Trombone Champ - GameSpot](https://www.gamespot.com/games/trombone-champ/)
13. GameSpot
14. [Trombone Champ - speedrun.com](https://www.speedrun.com/trombone_champ)
15. [Trombone Champ system requirements | Can I Run Trombone Champ](https://www.systemrequirementslab.com/cyri/requirements/trombone-champ/21926)
16. [Trombone Champ | vglist](https://vglist.co/games/48372)
17. [Trombone Champ | Game UI Database](https://www.gameuidatabase.com/gameData.php?id=1720)
18. Q124398839
19. GamesMeter.nl
20. Know Your Meme
21. GOG Dreamlist