Remembering Wayne June: The Voice Behind Darkest Dungeon

The gaming community mourns the loss of Wayne June, the iconic narrator of the Darkest Dungeon series, who has tragically passed away. The news of his death was shared across various social media channels and the official Darkest Dungeon website. At this time, the cause of his passing has not been disclosed to the public.

The Ancestor and the Academic Lives On

Wayne June's journey with Darkest Dungeon began when Chris Bourassa, the game's creative director, and Tyler Sigman, co-founder of developer studio Red Hook, reached out to him to narrate the first game's trailer. This marked the beginning of an "incredible and fulfilling collaboration." Bourassa praised June's distinctive baritone voice, which added a unique grandeur to every narration, significantly enhancing the game's atmosphere. In a heartfelt tribute, Bourassa expressed his gratitude and admiration, stating, "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 first discovered June through his captivating readings of H.P. Lovecraft audiobooks, which he enjoyed even before founding Red Hook. He shared these recordings with Sigman, who was equally mesmerized by June's ability to bring the text to life. This experience led them to the realization that June's voice was perfect for Darkest Dungeon. Bourassa recalled, "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." June's voice became a defining element of Darkest Dungeon and continued into the sequel.

Fans have expressed their deep condolences, thanking June for his significant contributions that made their experiences with Darkest Dungeon more immersive and enjoyable. Many have celebrated his iconic voice, often quoting memorable lines from the game in their tributes. Some fans even shared how June's lines have become part of their everyday conversations, a testament to the lasting impact of his narration. As the community remembers Wayne June, his voice will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who played and loved Darkest Dungeon.

May Wayne June rest in peace, and may his voice live on forever in the world of Darkest Dungeon.