Wayne June: Remembering The Voice Of Darkest Dungeon & More

02 May, 2025

Can a single voice truly define the atmosphere of a video game, imbuing it with both dread and a captivating allure? Wayne June, the voice behind the hauntingly memorable narrator of the "Darkest Dungeon" series, proved unequivocally that it could. His passing in January 2025, at the age of 70, marks the end of an era, leaving a void in the world of voice acting and audio narration that is keenly felt by fans and colleagues alike.

June's talent extended far beyond the confines of the "Darkest Dungeon" franchise. He was a seasoned narrator of Lovecraftian audiobooks, a contributor to the world of "Dota 2," and even graced the "PC Gaming Show" with his distinctive voice. His baritone resonance, often described as weighty and commanding, lent itself perfectly to the macabre and the mysterious, making him a natural fit for the narratives of H.P. Lovecraft and the atmosphere of the darkest dungeon games.

Category	Details
Full Name	Wayne June
Date of Birth	(Unknown, estimated based on age at death)
Date of Death	January 2025
Age at Death	70 years old
Known For	Voice acting, narration, audiobooks, drumming, vocals
Notable Works	Darkest Dungeon (Narrator, Ancestor, Academic), Dota 2, Lovecraftian Audiobooks
Spouse	Christine Wasik
Awards/Nominations	Nominated for an award for his performance in the first Darkest Dungeon game
YouTube Channel	Yes (reading poems and stories)
Musical Talents	Drummer, vocalist
Voice Type	Baritone
Height	(Unknown)
Website	(Not available publicly, personal information)
Reference	PC Gamer article

The announcement of June's passing, initially shared on Bluesky by "Darkest Dungeon" creative director Chris Bourassa, resonated deeply within the gaming community. Bourassa himself described June as an "ancestor, scientist, artist, and friend," a poignant tribute to his multifaceted talent and the impact he had on those who knew him. Red Hook Studios, the developer of "Darkest Dungeon," further honored June with a heartfelt tribute on January 30th, 2025, recognizing his invaluable contribution to the game's success and the indelible mark he left on its fans.

June's contribution to "Darkest Dungeon" was not merely limited to narration. He breathed life into multiple characters, including the iconic "Ancestor" and the more recently introduced "Academic" in "Darkest Dungeon II." His ability to convey a sense of foreboding, alongside the occasional glimmers of dark humor, crafted the atmosphere of the game. His voice became as integral to the experience as the gameplay itself, a testament to his skill as a voice actor.

The "Darkest Dungeon" saga is exposed through the narrator. The narrator will give hints on his mysterious past as the player approaches the various bosses. In the sequel, the Academic, voiced by June, is introduced to offer commentary on the story.

For many, June's voice was the voice of Lovecraft. His readings of Lovecraft's work, available on numerous audiobook platforms, were consistently praised for their evocative interpretations and their ability to capture the essence of the author's unsettling prose. "The Dunwich Horror," "The Call of Cthulhu," "The Shadow Over Innsmouth," and "Dagon" are just a few of the many tales brought to life by June's captivating delivery. His ability to convey the subtle nuances of Lovecraft's writing, from the creeping sense of dread to the cosmic horror, made him a perfect match for the genre. These audiobooks are available for purchase from various retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

His unique baritone voice, with a subtle quiver in later years that only added to the gravitas of his performances, evoked comparisons to Johnny Cash. Just as Cashs later recordings were colored by the weight of experience, June's voice carried the weariness of a long life lived within each word, each syllable.

June's work extended beyond the realms of "Darkest Dungeon" and Lovecraftian audiobooks. He lent his talents to "Dota 2," providing voice work for various characters, and also appeared on the "PC Gaming Show." The game's popularity led to the creation of a "Darkest Dungeon" announcer pack for "Dota 2," featuring lines recorded by June himself. This further exemplified his versatility and his understanding of the power of voice in gaming.

In an interview, June discussed his creative processes, the voice-over industry, and his books on weird audio books. He was a multi-talented individual, also a drummer and vocalist.

The impact of June's voice in "Darkest Dungeon" can be seen in the numerous fan-made videos and tributes that have appeared since his passing. Players have shared their favorite lines, and highlighted the importance of his voice in shaping their experience of the game. The community has created a space in the social media platforms to commemorate and appreciate his talent.

The legacy of Wayne June serves as a reminder of the vital role voice actors play in the world of entertainment. He wasn't just a voice; he was an artist who elevated the projects he worked on, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who heard him. His voice will continue to echo through the "Darkest Dungeon" and Lovecraftian worlds, a testament to his talent and dedication.

The news of June's passing hit the community of gamers and fans extremely hard, as the unique ability of the voice actor to bring a dark and stressful atmosphere to the game made him an indispensable part of the gaming experience. His absence will be acutely felt. The tributes, from fans to colleagues, are a testament to the impact he made on the world of voice acting and audio narration.

The "Darkest Dungeon" community, in particular, has been very active in remembering June. From the community on reddit to social media, discussions are still going on and his favorite lines from the game are being shared, as well as his other works. The role of the narrator, the ancestor, and the academic in "Darkest Dungeon" series will never be the same, but his legacy will surely continue to bring many new and old fans of the games an immense amount of pleasure and appreciation.

The death of Wayne June means that the iconic voice behind the "Darkest Dungeon" games will no longer be heard in future installments of the franchise. This is a loss that will be felt by the fans of the series who became accustomed to his unique tone, and the characters he brought to life.

The world of voice acting has lost a true talent, and Junes death means that fans have lost one of the most significant voices of the last few years. His dedication and passion for his work will continue to be felt and appreciated by many.

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DARKEST DUNGEON Can Wayne June Narrate My Life Please? Episode 25

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