Wayne June, Darkest Dungeon’s Voice, Departs

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

A Legacy of Voice

The collaboration between Wayne June and Red Hook Studios began with a request to narrate the first game's trailer. His distinctive baritone voice, described as magnificent and captivating, quickly became integral to the Darkest Dungeon experience. Creative Director Chris Bourassa and co-founder Tyler Sigman initially discovered June through his H.P. Lovecraft audiobook narrations, recognizing the power and resonance of his voice. This led to his involvement in the game itself, transforming the narrator into a key element of its identity, a role he continued in the sequel.

Bourassa recounted to PC Gamer how June's voice brought the Lovecraft stories to life, inspiring them to seek him out for Darkest Dungeon. The decision to incorporate a narrator into the game stemmed directly from the impact of June's initial work on the trailer.

An outpouring of grief and appreciation from fans flooded social media. Tributes highlighted the memorable and often-quoted lines from the game, showcasing the lasting impact of June's performance. Many shared how his delivery resonated deeply, leading to spontaneous real-life quotations long after completing the game. Wayne June's voice will forever be remembered as an integral part of Darkest Dungeon's legacy. He will be deeply missed.