Why is Dogmeat called Dogmeat?
Introduction
Dogmeat is a beloved character in the Fallout series, serving as a loyal companion to the player in Fallout 4. But have you ever wondered why he is called Dogmeat? In this article, we will delve into the origin of his name and explore the history behind it.
Early Origins
According to the Fallout wiki, Dogmeat was first introduced in the original Fallout in 1997. However, his name was different back then. He was simply known as "Blood" and was a pack dog accompanying the main character, the Vault Dweller. In Fallout 2, which was released four years later, Blood appeared again, this time serving as a companion to the player.
The Birth of Dogmeat
Fast-forward to Fallout 3, released in 2008. The character we know today as Dogmeat made his first appearance, and his name was changed to Dogmeat. But why this name change? According to an interview with Emil Pagliarulo, a designer on Fallout 3, the name change was inspired by the 1975 post-apocalyptic film A Boy and His Dog.
The Inspiration
A Boy and His Dog tells the story of a boy named Vic and his German Shepherd dog, Blood, who embark on a perilous journey through a world devastated by nuclear war. The film’s title references the unique bond between a boy and his dog. In an interview, Emil Pagliarulo mentioned that the team was inspired by this film and wanted to pay homage to it.
The Name Dogmeat
So, what does "Dogmeat" refer to? In the context of the film A Boy and His Dog, Vic often refers to his dog Blood as "Dogmeat," which is a term used to describe the consumption of meat, specifically for dogs. In the movie, Vic is a drifter who survives by raiding other survivors’ graves and scavenging for food, including dog flesh. By calling his dog "Dogmeat," Vic is acknowledging the darker aspects of their relationship, where they are forced to scavenge for food to survive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dogmeat’s name is rooted in the 1975 film A Boy and His Dog. The name is a reference to the concept of dog meat, acknowledging the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic world. The team behind Fallout 3 wanted to pay homage to the film and chose the name Dogmeat as a nod to this unique aspect of the characters’ relationship.
Other Interesting Facts
- Did you know that Dogmeat’s original name in Fallout 3 was not Dogmeat, but rather "German Shepherd?" The name was later changed to Dogmeat, as we know him today.
- In Fallout 4, Dogmeat is not the only one to call the player the "Nuka-Teen." The term is a reference to the Nuka-Cola, a popular post-apocalyptic beverage.
- Dogmeat’s fate in Fallout 4 has sparked much debate among fans. According to the Fallout wiki, Dogmeat’s final fate is decided by the player’s choice, where he either falls in battle or survives as a companion.
Comparison Table
| Game | Dogmeat’s Name | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Fallout | Blood | |
| Fallout 2 | Blood | |
| Fallout 3 | Dogmeat | A Boy and His Dog |
| Fallout 4 | Dogmeat |
Conclusion
In this article, we explored the origins of Dogmeat’s name, tracing its roots back to the 1975 film A Boy and His Dog. From Blood to Dogmeat, the name change reflects the team’s desire to pay homage to the film and acknowledge the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic world. With his iconic name and faithful companionship, Dogmeat has become an iconic character in the Fallout series.