Gaming Icon Wayne June, Narrator of 'Darkest Dungeon', Dies

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, the developer, recounted how their collaboration with June began. Creative director Chris Bourassa and co-founder Tyler Sigman, initially captivated by June's H.P. Lovecraft audiobook narrations, approached him to voice the first game's trailer. His distinctive baritone voice proved so impactful that it became a core element of the Darkest Dungeon experience, continuing into the sequel. Bourassa praised June's professionalism and the inspiration he drew from his passion for his work, describing the collaboration as "incredible and fulfilling."

Bourassa elaborated to PC Gamer on their initial discovery of June's work through his Lovecraft readings. The team's admiration for his ability to bring the stories to life led to the decision to incorporate a narrator into the game, a decision that profoundly shaped Darkest Dungeon's identity.

An outpouring of grief and appreciation from fans flooded social media. Many shared their fond memories of June's iconic lines, some even admitting to incorporating his memorable phrases into their everyday conversations. Wayne June's legacy as the voice of Darkest Dungeon will undoubtedly endure. He will be remembered for his profound contribution to the game and the lasting impact his voice had on players worldwide. Rest in peace, Wayne.