Wayne June, Narrator of Darkest Dungeon, Dies

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Wayne June, the iconic narrator of the Darkest Dungeon series. The announcement was made across various Darkest Dungeon social media channels and the game's official website. At this time, the cause of his death has not been disclosed to the public.

Creative director Chris Bourassa and Red Hook co-founder Tyler Sigman reflected on their journey with Wayne, which began when they approached him to narrate the trailer for the first Darkest Dungeon game. This collaboration blossomed into something "incredible and fulfilling." Bourassa highlighted June's magnificent baritone voice, which not only elevated the game but also the entire gaming industry. "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 how he discovered June's talent through his captivating readings of H.P. Lovecraft audiobooks, which he and Sigman both enjoyed immensely. This admiration for June's work led them to the pivotal decision to have him narrate not just the trailer, but to become a central part of the Darkest Dungeon experience. "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 recalled. June's voice became an integral part of the game's identity, extending through to the second installment.

The gaming community has poured out their condolences, expressing gratitude for June's role in enhancing their Darkest Dungeon journeys. Fans lauded his distinctive voice and often quoted his memorable lines from the game in their tributes. Many noted how his lines have become part of their everyday conversations, a testament to the lasting impact of his performance. As we mourn the loss of Wayne June, we celebrate the legacy of his voice that will continue to resonate with fans and gamers alike.

May Wayne June rest in peace, and may his voice live on in the hearts of all who were touched by his work.