[BREAKING] 'Fallout 4's' Dogmeat Dies in Real Life | R.I.P. River

Urian B., Tech Times 27 June 2021, 10:06 am

"Fallout 4's" beloved K-9 Dogmeat" dies in real life. The lovable German Shepherd named River voiced and modeled a recurring dog non-player character in the "Fallout" series known as Dogmeat.

The gorgeous pup has been able to bring the fan-favorite companion to life and not just as a direct reference for Dogmeat's appearance but also his shining personality and behavior.

'Fallout 4' Dogmeat

According to the story by TheGamer, almost six months after River starred as Dogmeat, the German Shepherd passed away. The news was shared by River's owner and esteemed "Fallout 4" developer Joel Burgess, who had described the "Fallout 4" dog as a friend who "loved making people happy."

After sharing the news of the "Fallout 4" Dogmeat's real-life character's death, Burgess took the opportunity to recount River's life and even share some of the heartfelt behind-the-scenes detail on her work in the game "Fallout". The post revealed that River was not originally meant to play Dogmeat.

'Fallout 4' Dogmeat Named Dog

The team initially wanted to work along with professional dogs, but everything changed when River started going to the office, and Burgess describes this as her becoming part of the team. River's own irresistible charms helped the team develop Dogmeat's characteristics.

As any "Fallout" fan might know, this particular iteration of the companion has all the more character compared to any before him. This is all thanks to River. When the team was able to have her around the office, they actually didn't see a fighter or a video game item character. All they saw was a friend for the player.

Fallout 4 Dog Name: River

Burgess shared that she loves being there with the team, and they all loved her back. It was also stated that "Fallout" developer Jean Simone and Burgess would take long walks along with her and that they noticed that she would trot ahead but would still consistently stop to look back every once in a while. This behavior was included in the game and helped players connect more with the dog.

It was also stated that the credits go to River for Dogmeat being the most loyal "Fallout 4" companion. Her behavior was also what was able to inspire Dogmeat's own unique fighting style. Dogmeat also isn't focused on killing enemies but rather keeping the player safe.

River's Character Dogmeat

River's character Dogmeat protects the player by throwing himself directly in trouble, giving players the time and opportunity in order for the player to deal with the threat. Burgess said that those who have a German Shepherd would understand.

Burgess explains in a tweet the difference between Dogmeat and the real-life River. According to the explanation, Dogmeat is a tether, and that he would ground players in the world and will stand by the player, lead the player to their family, and even anticipate the player's needs.

Dogmeat wants the player to be happy and safe, and in other words, Dogmeat loves the player. Burgess notes that if love is the legacy that River leaves behind, then Burgess notes that he is content. Burgess ends the statement with "rest in peace, big girl."

I said goodbye today to River, who most of you know as Fallout 4’s Dogmeat.

Heartbroken doesn't cover it, but I won’t eulogize her here. For twitter, I thought it'd be appropriate to look back at her impact on that game.

(plus, writing about game dev hurts less than grieving) pic.twitter.com/ayN1Vd6oqQ
— Joel Burgess (@JoelBurgess) June 27, 2021