The first ever "rickroll" occurred on 4chan, disguised as a trailer for which popular video game?

The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion

The arena of "Rickrolling" began successful May 2007 erstwhile a nexus was posted connected 4chan's /v/ (video game) board, claiming to beryllium nan first trailer for Grand Theft Auto IV. At nan time, anticipation for nan crippled was high, and nan charismatic trailer had conscionable been released but was difficult to entree owed to overwhelming net traffic.

However, alternatively of starring viewers to a preview of Rockstar's latest open-world adventure, nan nexus redirected them to nan euphony video for Rick Astley's 1987 deed "Never Gonna Give You Up."

This unexpected bait-and-switch quickly became an wrong joke connected nan internet. By May 2008, Rickrolling had dispersed crossed nan web, evolving into a viral net prank wherever unsuspecting users were many times "Rickrolled" by clicking links that yet led to Astley's euphony video.

The original "RickRoll'D" video connected YouTube achieved important popularity, amassing 61 cardinal views earlier being removed successful 2012 owed to a copyright claim. The video was soon reinstated but taken down again successful 2014 aft accumulating astir 71 cardinal views. Meanwhile, nan charismatic euphony video has continued to thrive, surpassing 1.5 cardinal views arsenic of nan 2024.

Rickrolling has go 1 of nan internet's astir iconic and enduring memes, reflecting nan lighthearted, often absurd joke that defines overmuch of online culture. Over nan years, it has been referenced and recreated successful various formats, from societal media posts and unrecorded events to master settings and moreover governmental campaigns.

The prank's continued fame underscores really shared net experiences tin germinate into taste touchstones, creating a corporate representation for online communities. Astley himself has embraced nan phenomenon, making appearances and participating successful Rickrolls, which has further solidified its position arsenic a lasting portion of net folklore.