Last Updated on June 16, 2023 by Fumipets
Farewell to a Legend: Einstein, the Canine Star from ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’, Passes Away
Einstein, the Beloved Dog Who Brought Cain to Life in RDR2, Will Be Missed
A Canine Star Extinguishes: The Life and Legacy of Einstein
In a heartfelt announcement that tugs at the heartstrings of ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ fans, it was revealed that Einstein Barnes, the charismatic canine who breathed life into the character of Cain in the popular Rockstar Games title, has passed away. The news of Einstein’s demise was shared on Instagram by his owner and Rockstar animator, Jason Barnes.
Einstein: More than a Four-Legged Friend
Barnes expressed his profound sorrow over Einstein’s passing, stating, “Einstein was truly one of a kind. We formed a deep bond from the moment we met. Though our journey together has ended, your memory will forever be cherished.”
Einstein, who was first called Hero, was adopted by Barnes from a shelter when he was just a puppy. Inspired by pop culture icons Cowboy Bebop and Back to the Future, Barnes renamed him Einstein, and Einstein quickly became a service dog extraordinaire.
From Service Dog to Screen Star
Einstein’s journey into the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 began when Barnes was promoted and transferred from Rockstar San Diego to the New York office.
Einstein quickly became a staple at the office, gaining fame for his temperament and occasional excited pee sessions. His service dog training made him an ideal candidate for motion capture, and thus his role as Cain was born.
“Becoming Cain began with a few tests for the dog mo-cap suit. Next thing we knew, he was cast as Cain,” Barnes said. Einstein was an absolute professional on set, often nailing every shot, and was primarily focused on the Cain moments and performance.
Barnes said that Einstein’s youthful spirit remained undiminished till the end. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with cancer, which shortened what could have been a long life. Einstein was 13 when he passed away.
Fond Memories and Tributes Pour In
News of Einstein’s passing has led to an outpouring of tributes and fond memories from members of the RDR2 development team, as well as from InXile Entertainment, where Barnes now serves as animation director.
From stealing hearts at the Rockstar office to capturing imaginations as Cain in Red Dead Redemption 2, Einstein lived a full and exciting life. His contributions to the gaming world, as well as his unwavering companionship to Barnes, will forever be remembered.
This story was originally reported by Andy Chalk on PC Gamer.
