Original Fallout Writer Scott Bennie Has Passed Away Aged 61

The writer and developer of the original Fallout, Scott Bennie has passed away, aged 61. Reportedly due to complications from pneumonia.

Long before the Fallout franchise was acquired by Bethesda, Scott Bennie was a key member of the development team for the original game from 1997. The original Fallout was published and developed by Interplay Productions.

I was saddened to hear that Scott Bennie died today. He was a brilliant writer who worked with us at Interplay on some true classics like Star Trek: Judgment Rites and Starfleet Academy. RIP.https://t.co/fkCSVYDdFI

— Brian Fargo (@BrianFargo) March 30, 2022

During his time with Interplay, Bennie also worked on numerous Star Trek games, and more. Bennie was also a talented tabletop board game designer. His previous work includes The Lord of the Rings, World of Warcraft, and Dungeons & Dragons.

Friends have paid tribute

Tributes were paid across social media from former work colleagues and friends of Scott Bennie.

My friend and former coworker, the game designer Scott Bennie, has died from complications from pneumonia. His Champions work was groundbreaking. I hope he knew the esteem in which people held him.

— Colin McComb (@ColinMcComb) March 29, 2022

Woke to the sad, but expected news of Scott Bennie’s passing. He was a genius RPG creator (tabletop and PC), and a friend for nearly 30 years. Life was cruel to his body, but his words soared like his superhero, Thundrax. His Gestalt-Earth, for Champions is still brilliant. 1/

— Theron Bretz (@tfbretz) March 29, 2022

My dear friend, Robert "Scott" Bennie, has passed away from a bout of pneumonia. He was a great game designer and writer. I will miss him.

— Rebecca Heineman (@burgerbecky) March 29, 2022

Bennie also named the Fallout series canine, Dogmeat. Despite having a fulfilling career working on a number of video games and tabletop RPGs, naming Dogmeat was one of Bennie’s fondest memories.

“I didn’t have that much to do with Fallout. A few maps, some bits of the Hub, and some system messages. And the Mysterious Stranger Perk,” Bennie told Steemit in 2017. “And I named Dogmeat – if anything endures of my writing career, it will be the name of that dog.”

Dogmeat was beloved by Bennie and fans

Dogmeat is one of the most iconic and beloved characters in the Fallout series. So it’s amazing that Bennie loved this character, as much as the fans. Dogmeat was even named in our Top 10 best dogs in Gaming History list.

Sadly, back in 2021, River, the real-life inspiration of Dogmeat, passed away. However, following the passing of River, Microsoft and Bethesda donated $10,000 to the Montgomery County Humane Society as a tribute to the lovable canine.

The GameByte team sends all our love and support to the family and friends of Scott Bennie during this challenging time.

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