Wayne June, Darkest Dungeon's Famed Narrator, Has Passed Away

The Ancestor and the Academic Lives On

The gaming community is mourning the loss of Wayne June, the iconic voice behind the narrator in the Darkest Dungeon series. June's passing was announced across various Darkest Dungeon social media channels and the official game website. As of now, the cause of his death has not been disclosed to the public.

Creative director Chris Bourassa and Red Hook co-founder Tyler Sigman shared heartfelt tributes to June, reflecting on their initial collaboration. The journey began when they approached June to narrate the trailer for the first game, which evolved into a deeply rewarding partnership. Bourassa praised June's "iconic baritone voice" for its majestic quality that enhanced every narration. "He was a consummate professional, and his love of his craft was an inspiration. His inimitable work is woven into the very fabric of our industry in a way that cannot be forgotten. It is one of my greatest honors to have written for him this past decade. Though I never got to shake his hand, I knew him to be a friend. Thank you, Wayne," Bourassa expressed in a tweet.

Bourassa revealed to PC Gamer that his introduction to June came through the narrator's readings of H.P. Lovecraft audiobooks, which he enjoyed even before founding Red Hook. He shared these CDs with Sigman, who was equally captivated by June's ability to bring the written word to life. This experience inspired them to seek June's voice for Darkest Dungeon. "I think more verbatim, it was, 'We should get somebody like Wayne June to narrate the trailer.' Then we thought—wait, Wayne June reads stuff for a living! Maybe he would do it! The work of course was so good that we decided to add a narrator to the game itself," they explained. June's distinctive voice became an integral part of the Darkest Dungeon's identity, continuing into the sequel.

Fans have expressed their condolences, celebrating June's contribution to the immersive experience of Darkest Dungeon. Many lauded his unique voice, frequently quoting memorable lines from the game in their tributes. Some fans even mentioned how June's lines have become part of their everyday conversations, a testament to the lasting impact of his performance. As the community mourns, they hope that Wayne June's voice will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who cherished his work. May he rest in peace.