The real-life pup that inspired the creation of Dogmeat in Bethesda's Fallout 4 has passed away.
Former Fallout developer Joel Burgess shared the sad news on Twitter. "I said goodbye today to River, who most of you know as Fallout 4's Dogmeat," Burgess said, along with several pictures of River. "Heartbroken doesn't cover it, but I won't eulogize her here." Instead, Burgess shared the story that led to River's involvement in the game, while also encouraging fans to volunteer with or donate to their local animal rescues.
Burgess went on to explain in a Twitter thread that River was "the antidote to my biggest fear for the Dogmeat character -- a canine weapon, and nothing more. What we wanted was a companion first, and a combat ally second."
While the developers first considered "professional" dogs with previous film or police training, they eventually realized River was the perfect subject. After seeing a team member's desk covered in images of German Shepards snarling in attack positions, Burgess began bringing River to the studio. "River attended countless meetings; but not just to be poked, prodded, recorded and filmed as reference -- her biggest job was just to BE with the team," Burgess said. "The more they bonded with her, the more they saw Dogmeat as a character -- a friend."
He continued, "The Dogmeat team was just a handful of us early on -- as River stole hearts around the studio, however, more and more folks found ways to pitch in and help bring her personality into the game. She was more than a mascot or an inspiration -- she was part of the team."
Dogmeat later went on to win an award for Top Video Game Dog of 2015 at the CW's World Dog Awards. Burgess explained that they wanted to use as much real noise as they could, so most of the sounds Dogmeat makes in Fallout 4 are sampled directly from River. Burgess explained that they would get Dogmeat's "distress calls" by him standing in another room "where [River] could smell but not reach me, until she started calling out."
He said, "These sessions were a little heartbreaking, but they also turned out to be great references for happy little celebration yips as well." River also heavily impacted Dogmeat's in-game behavior, such as his protective combat style, how he would walk ahead of the player and turn back to check they were still there, as well as his fetching and seeking behaviors.
"Dogmeat is a tether. He grounds you in the world, will always stand by you, lead you to your family, and anticipate your needs," Burgess concluded. "He wants you to be safe and happy. In other words, he loves you. And if love is River's legacy, I am contented."
Source: Twitter
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