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

The gaming community mourns the loss of Wayne June, the unforgettable narrator of the Darkest Dungeon series. News of his passing was shared across Darkest Dungeon's social media channels and website. Details surrounding the cause of death have not yet been publicly released.

Red Hook Studios and creative director Chris Bourassa expressed their profound sadness and gratitude for June's contributions. Their collaboration began with a request for June to narrate the first game's trailer, a decision inspired by Bourassa and co-founder Tyler Sigman's admiration for June's H.P. Lovecraft audiobook narrations. His distinctive baritone voice quickly became integral to the game's identity, carrying over to the sequel. Bourassa lauded June's professionalism and passion, highlighting the lasting impact of his work on the gaming industry.

Bourassa recounted to PC Gamer how June's captivating voice, initially discovered through Lovecraft audiobooks, led to the decision to incorporate a narrator into Darkest Dungeon. The success of the trailer cemented June's role as the game's narrator, a pivotal element of its unique atmosphere.

An outpouring of grief and appreciation from fans flooded social media. Many shared how June's memorable lines and distinctive delivery enhanced their Darkest Dungeon experience, becoming ingrained in their memories and even influencing their daily speech. Wayne June's legacy will live on through his iconic voice and the profound impact he had on the Darkest Dungeon community. He will be deeply missed.