The iconic voice behind Darkest Dungeon, Wayne June, has sadly passed away. Learn more about this heartbreaking loss to the gaming community.
Remembering Wayne June: The Voice That Defined Darkest Dungeon
The unmistakable voice of Darkest Dungeon’s narrator, Wayne June, has fallen silent. His passing was confirmed through official statements released on the game’s social media channels and website. At this time, the cause of death has not been disclosed.
Wayne June’s deep, resonant baritone became synonymous with the gothic horror atmosphere of Darkest Dungeon. His collaboration with creative director Chris Bourassa and Red Hook Studios co-founder Tyler Sigman began with the narration of the first game’s trailer—an addition so powerful that it led to the creation of the in-game narrator role. What followed was over a decade of unforgettable storytelling.
In a heartfelt tribute, the developers praised June’s professionalism and passion. “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,” read the official message.
Bourassa revealed in an interview with PC Gamer that he first discovered June through audiobook recordings of H.P. Lovecraft’s works—stories he frequently listened to before founding Red Hook Studios. He shared the audiobooks with Sigman, who was equally captivated by June’s ability to breathe life into dark, otherworldly prose. That moment sparked the idea: “We should get somebody like Wayne June to narrate the trailer.” Then came the realization—Wayne June is a real person who does this for a living. Maybe he’d actually do it.
The rest is history. June’s performance was so compelling that the team built the narrator into the core of the game. His voice carried through both Darkest Dungeon and its sequel, becoming a defining element of the series’ identity.
Fans across the world have expressed their grief and gratitude, honoring June’s legacy with tributes and shared memories. Many recalled his most memorable lines, which have become ingrained in gaming culture—quotes that fans still repeat in everyday moments. His narration didn’t just enhance the game; it shaped how players experienced its tension, despair, and dark beauty.
Wayne June’s voice may no longer grace new adventures, but his legacy endures. May he rest in peace, and may his words continue to echo through the halls of the Darkest Dungeon for generations to come.
