Chris Bourassa, the creative director of Red Hook Studios, shared the tragic news of Wayne June’s death on January 30, 2025, while remembering him for his primary contributions, explaining how their partnership was a gift of sorts, as he was an ancestor, a thinker, a creator, and a friend. The fact that June was intricately linked with the game’s dark backstory makes his demise all the more heartbreaking.
The beginnings of a legend
In retrospect, Brock Bourassa, together with Tyler Sigman, who co-founded Red Hook, was looking for someone to provide the voice-over for a trailer for the game set to debut in 2013. They faced numerous alternatives but then remembered how powerful June’s Lovecraft audiobooks were and decided that the right course of action was to contact him. When he responded positively, his rich, dark baritone brought life to the indie game. Bourassa now remembers how magical the divergences were once his vocals were incorporated.
Echoes of darkness and murmurs of eternity
And one can only imagine how magical the whole experience felt when June accepted. He performed more than just reading the script; he brought it to life. The game was Darkest Dungeon, and now every single essence of gameplay is etched in the back of his voice. His vocals seemed like an overwhelming cauldron that melted fear, hopelessness, and strength. Undoubtedly, it resonates with the monolith of a thing; however, over time his narration transformed into the very heart of the game and became a key component that set the game’s atmosphere.
A legacy that became a cult
The fans of the game found themselves repeatedly quoting his famous lines — sometimes mocking them or showing reverence — but regardless of context or twist, they always struck a chord. Some of these lines included:
“Ruin has come to our house.”
“Great adversity forges the blade.”
“Onward… toward the light in the endless dark.”
The last chapter
To this day, the reason why Wayne June passed away is still unknown. As of today, it feels as if nothing is there after him. However, one thing for certain is that his voice will stick forever. It shall remain impactful within the heart of the Darkest Dungeon, along with innumerable battles fought in the dark corridors and in the psyche of brave souls who pondered into the chasm.