Support NeoGAF

[IbizaPocholo]

River, The Dog Behind Fallout 4's Dogmeat, Has Passed Away

Developer Joel Burgess confirmed the passing on his Twitter account

www.dualshockers.com

Joel Burgess, a developer on various Fallout titles, announced the heartbreaking news on Twitter. However, instead of using the moment to eulogize her, he instead opted for a deeper look into how River had such a great impact on the world of Fallout 4.

HOW DID RIVER INSPIRE DOGMEAT IN FALLOUT 4?​

River was the real-life German Sheppard that inspired the in-game companion, Dogmeat. As noted by Burgess, Dogmeat was a companion first and an ally in combat second.

In Burgess’ Twitter thread, he details how the developers searched through various “professional” dogs until River started visiting the Bethesda studio. The team then began forming a special bond with the adorable German Sheppard.

River quickly became part of the Fallout team and was even awarded ‘Best Dog’ for her model work as Dogmeat. Many fans will of course notice that River and Dogmeat are identical, even in terms of fur markings and facial expressions.

She wasn’t just the model though, River was even in the studio doing a lot of the sounds for Dogmeat.

Small details of River were also incorporated into the game. Burgess notes how he would take long walks with River, and although she’d trot ahead, she would always turn around and check back in on him. Something that was then added into the character of Dogmeat.





Was my companion in Fallout 4

 

[Hugare]

Good doggo.

My only companion when I played F4

 

[Majima Everywhere System]

Gee golly, I seriously started playing this through for 3rd timee, and I hope I finish it this time. I was truely excited when this good girl found me, and she plays a pretty big role too! Good on ya, River.

 

[ArtemisClydeFrog]

You're a good baw, RIP Dogmeat

 

[Heimdall_Xtreme]

River, The Dog Behind Fallout 4's Dogmeat, Has Passed Away

Developer Joel Burgess confirmed the passing on his Twitter account

www.dualshockers.com

Joel Burgess, a developer on various Fallout titles, announced the heartbreaking news on Twitter. However, instead of using the moment to eulogize her, he instead opted for a deeper look into how River had such a great impact on the world of Fallout 4.

HOW DID RIVER INSPIRE DOGMEAT IN FALLOUT 4?​

River was the real-life German Sheppard that inspired the in-game companion, Dogmeat. As noted by Burgess, Dogmeat was a companion first and an ally in combat second.

In Burgess’ Twitter thread, he details how the developers searched through various “professional” dogs until River started visiting the Bethesda studio. The team then began forming a special bond with the adorable German Sheppard.

River quickly became part of the Fallout team and was even awarded ‘Best Dog’ for her model work as Dogmeat. Many fans will of course notice that River and Dogmeat are identical, even in terms of fur markings and facial expressions.

She wasn’t just the model though, River was even in the studio doing a lot of the sounds for Dogmeat.

Small details of River were also incorporated into the game. Burgess notes how he would take long walks with River, and although she’d trot ahead, she would always turn around and check back in on him. Something that was then added into the character of Dogmeat.





Was my companion in Fallout 4

Pobrecito

 

[laynelane]

One of the best moments in every new game I've started in FO4 is the moment I arrive at Red Rocket and meet up with Dogmeat. Thank you for the smiles and happiness, River, and rest in peace.

 

[AJUMP23]

He was a good dog, but a better friend.

 

[MrS]

fare thee well

 

[CatLady]

I always play on the hardest difficulty so I don't take Dogmeat with me, I'm too afraid of him dying. I lost him once in Fallout 3 and there was no way I was going to play on without Dogmeat, so I had to go way back to a previous save to where he was still alive. From then on I stashed him somewhere safe and would come back frequently to visit and tell him he's a good boy.

I love Dogmeat and River is such a beautiful girl, this is so sad for them Dogmeat team. Rest in Peace River, you're a good girl.

 

[JerryinSoCal]

I hated the game but loved the way they captured the personality of the dog in it, I have had shepherd mixes for years and that dog always got to me when I played the game. RIP River!

 

[Lone Wolf]

First thing I did when I started the game was go find Dogmeat. River was a great dog in game and reality. RIP puppy.

 

[Cravis]

RIP River. It's so not fair how short their lives in compared to ours.

She's forever immortalized in Fallout 4 and, more importantly, the hearts of gamers the world over.

 

[TrueLegend]

Mha Hart, Mah Sole

 

[kanjobazooie]

The best companion.

 

[Dirk Benedict]

<3 My best companion. We destroyed everyone on Survival together. I decked my Doggo out.
Thank you, River. And Rest in Peace.

 

[Spidey Fan]

 

[Little Chicken]