The gaming community mourns the loss of Wayne June, the unforgettable narrator of Darkest Dungeon. Continue reading for details about this heartbreaking news.
Darkest Dungeon's Narrator Wayne June Has Passed
The Legacy of The Ancestor Endures
The iconic voice behind the Darkest Dungeon series' narrator, Wayne June, has passed away. Red Hook Studios announced his passing across their social media platforms and official website. Currently, no details about the cause of death have been made public.
The announcement highlighted how creative director Chris Bourassa and Red Hook co-founder Tyler Sigman initially contacted June to narrate the first game's trailer, leading to what they described as "an incredible and fulfilling collaboration." They praised June's distinctive baritone voice that brought unparalleled gravitas to every word he spoke. "He was a consummate professional whose passion for his craft inspired us all. His unique contribution to our industry remains unforgettable. It's been my greatest privilege to write for him these past ten years. Though we never met in person, I considered him a dear friend. Thank you, Wayne," the statement concluded.
Bourassa revealed to PC Gamer that he originally discovered June through his masterful readings of H.P. Lovecraft audiobooks, which he listened to regularly before founding Red Hook. He shared these recordings with Sigman, who was equally captivated by June's ability to vividly bring literary worlds to life. This experience directly inspired them to recruit June for Darkest Dungeon.
"Initially, we simply thought, 'We should find someone with a voice like Wayne June's for the trailer.' Then we realized - Wayne June is a professional narrator! Maybe he'd actually do it! His performance was so exceptional that we ultimately incorporated a narrator into the game itself," they explained. June's voice subsequently became integral to Darkest Dungeon's identity, continuing through the sequel.
Fans worldwide have expressed their condolences, celebrating his role in enhancing their Darkest Dungeon experiences. Many shared their favorite in-game quotes in tribute to his unforgettable delivery. Numerous players recounted how they still spontaneously recite his lines in everyday life, proving how deeply his performances resonated. Wayne June's remarkable voice will continue to echo in the memories of gamers everywhere. May he rest in peace.
