The world of Fallout has become synonymous with exploration, warring factions, mutated enemies, and post apocalyptic devastation. As a long-standing franchise, it's also well known for its memorable companions who 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 of Fallout 4 who 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.
Former Fallout dev Joel Burgess announced on Twitter that the loss of River, the real name for the Fallout companion, 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.
Over the years, Dogmeat became a staple in the Fallout games. 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 after Fallout 4 was 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 a Fallout 4 mod 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 that Dogmeat could not be killed, she became an instant fan favorite, particularly in Fallout 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 the Fallout franchise's fandom. Our condolences go out to Burgess.