Darkest Dungeon’s Beloved Narrator Wayne June Has Passed Away
The Ancestor and The Academic Lives On
The gaming community mourns the loss of Wayne June, the iconic voice behind the narrator in the Darkest Dungeon series. His passing was announced across various Darkest Dungeon social media channels and the game's official website. At this time, the cause of his death remains undisclosed.
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, described as "incredible and fulfilling," marked the beginning of June's significant contribution to the series. His deep, baritone voice added a majestic quality to the game's narrative, enriching the player's experience. Bourassa expressed his admiration for June's professionalism and passion, 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 revealed to PC Gamer that his initial encounter with June's voice came through H.P. Lovecraft audiobooks, which he listened to regularly until founding Red Hook. He shared these CDs with Sigman, who was equally captivated by June's ability to bring the world of Lovecraft to life. This experience inspired them to approach June 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 recounted. June's voice became an integral part of the game's identity, continuing through to the second installment.
Fans have expressed their deepest condolences, thanking Wayne June for his role in enhancing their Darkest Dungeon experiences. Many have celebrated his unique voice, often quoting his memorable lines from the game in their tributes. Some fans even shared how June's delivery of these lines had become a part of their daily lives, a testament to the lasting impact of his work. May Wayne June rest in peace, and may his voice continue to resonate with fans forever.
