The world ofFallouthas become synonymous with exploration, warring factions, mutated enemies, and post apocalyptic devastation. As a long-standing franchise, it’s alsowell known for its memorable companionswho travel with players across the Wasteland. Perhaps the most beloved NPC traveler is Dogmeat, a canine chum that players find early on in the likes ofFallout 4who attacks, defends, and seeks out fortune for the player, becoming a loyal aid on long quests. Unfortunately, the real life inspiration for Dogmeat has passed away.
FormerFalloutdev Joel Burgess announced on Twitter that the loss of River, the real name for theFalloutcompanion, is being felt throughout the gaming community. Burgess uploaded a number of tweets and images showing the faithful canine among friends and frolicking outdoors as fans offer their condolences.
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Over the years, Dogmeat became a staple in theFalloutgames. Many fans will no doubt remember the first time they encountered the facsimile of River, and will have stories to tell about their experiences with her. In fact, Dogmeat was so popular that not long afterFallout 4was released,she won the CW Television Network’s Top Video Game Dog Award, cementing her as an important aspect of the franchise and stealing the hearts of many.
The love for this furry companion didn’t end with rewards. Back in 2016, user Abbalovesyou uploaded aFallout 4mod that allowed fans to actually play as Dogmeat. This wasn’t just a model swap, either; players would have access to a series of bite attacks and other features. The only thing that the mod didn’t do was replace the voice. This meant that the main character’s dialogue still came from a dog, which made the mod all the more memorable.
With the word going around in 2015 thatDogmeat could not be killed, she became an instant fan favorite, particularly inFallout 4. The fact that players can interact by playing fetch or petting the dog, who in the game is male rather than female, is a testament to the love that Bethesda put into the character to allow players to feel a connection with at least one NPC. The tragic loss of River will be felt throughout theFalloutfranchise’s fandom. Our condolences go out to Burgess.
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