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

The gaming community mourns the loss of Wayne June, the iconic voice behind the narrator of the Darkest Dungeon series. June's passing was announced across various Darkest Dungeon social media channels and the official website. At this time, the cause of his death has not been disclosed to the public.

The Ancestor and the Academic Lives On

Wayne June's journey with Darkest Dungeon began when creative director Chris Bourassa and Red Hook co-founder Tyler Sigman approached him to narrate the trailer for the first game. This collaboration was described as "incredible and fulfilling." Bourassa praised June's majestic baritone, noting how it elevated every piece he narrated. "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 heartfelt tweet.

Bourassa shared with PC Gamer that his initial discovery of June came from listening to his readings of H.P. Lovecraft audiobooks, which he continued to enjoy until the founding of Red Hook. He even shared these CDs with Sigman, who was similarly captivated by June's ability to bring the world of Lovecraft to life. This admiration led to the pivotal decision to have June narrate the Darkest Dungeon trailer. "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 recounted. June's voice became an integral part of the game's identity, carrying over to the sequel as well.

The news of June's passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans, who expressed gratitude for his role in enhancing their Darkest Dungeon experience. Many lauded his distinctive voice, often quoting memorable lines from the game in their tributes. Some fans even shared how they found themselves echoing his phrases in everyday life, a testament to the lasting impact of his narration. As the community reflects on his contributions, they hope that Wayne June's voice continues to resonate in the hearts of all who cherished his work.

May Wayne June rest in peace, and may his voice live on in the hearts of all.