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By avoiding ‘actor dogs’ and stock audio, the team were able to capture a feeling of authenticity and meaningfulness that I believe translated into Fallout 4. Dogmeat always came across as a very real companion. River’s involvement was paramount and I think it really shows too. Opening that same door would then produce yips of celebration that would also make it into the game. River’s audio was also recorded for the character of Dogmeat, with Burgess recounting how he’d have to close a door between himself and River to record whimpering sounds that would then be used in-game. The more they bonded with her, the more they saw Dogmeat as a character – a friend. 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. River also liked being around the team and so she became a crucial part of that ecosystem. Her personality was beloved across the Fallout 4 development team and it became hard for these devs to not see River as part of that team. Dogmeat would also walk ahead of the player and look back to make sure they were still coming, a trait River was known for.īurgess also described how other studios would hire dogs who were trained as actors or police dogs for roles such as this, but that River’s personality and calm nature meant she was perfect for the role regardless. This behaviour was then transposed into Dogmeat who would do the exact same thing in-game.
![fallout 4 german fallout 4 german](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/82af0e192216e0319a4f1f7b5a14aecd.jpg)
(plus, writing about game dev hurts less than grieving) /ayN1Vd6oqQīurgess outlines how Dogmeat was always intended to be “a companion first, and a combat ally second.” He recounts how Dogmet’s personality mirrored behaviour River exuded, including her willingness to please by bringing people large objects they may or may not have wanted. For twitter, I thought it'd be appropriate to look back at her impact on that game.
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Heartbroken doesn't cover it, but I won’t eulogize her here. I said goodbye today to River, who most of you know as Fallout 4’s Dogmeat. The thread is lovely, showcasing the personality and joy River was able to bring whilst simultaneously singing her praises, providing insightful details into Fallout 4’s development, and encouraging responsible and ethical dog ownership. Burgess mourns the loss of his friend and provides a great deal of insight into her involvement within the game itself. The news of River’s passing was announced by River’s owner and Fallout 4 developer Joel Burgess in a Twitter thread. The in-game dog was modelled after River, a real-world German Shephard who stole the hearts of the development team and became an integral part of the game. Dogmeat is and always will be an iconic gaming companion who ventured with the player out into the harsh wilderness, providing loyalty, gifts, and protection. The real-world dog model and character inspiration behind Fallout 4’s German Shephard companion, Dogmeat, has passed away.