Wayne June (exact birth date undisclosed) was an American voice actor known for his wide-ranging and deeply masculine voice. June’s baritone voice offered a distinct value, as he masterfully narrated even the most intricate and adventurous stories.
Beginnings: steps towards a great narrator
While information on June’s early life doesn’t seem to exist, it is clear that he had a passion for literature, including a special place for H.P. Lovecraft. June’s career in gaming began after he established a name for himself in entertainment by narrating audiobooks and applying his skill in inducing dread and suspense through voice. For those who love persuasive literature, June’s readings are considered some of the best since his recordings are loved by so many and stored permanently.
A collaborative effort that changed the face of an industry: June and the Darkest Dungeon
In 2013, the indie studio Red Hook approached June with a unique proposal. They wanted him to record the voice for the trailer of their game Darkest Dungeon. Chris Bourassa, the creative director and co-founder of the game studio, was a fan of June’s Lovecraft audiobooks and wanted to work with him. What started as a casual partnership quickly evolved into a transformative collaboration.
2016: the year that set the foundation
Darkest Dungeon was an instant favorite to many due to its difficult challenges combined with a captivating gothic style. The narration from June had lines such as “Devastation has befallen our family” and “Remember: arrogance is a gradual and insidious destroyer,” which soon became essential for the game. His presence served as both a guide and an enemy, increasing the psychological suspense of every dungeon crawl, which makes sense as each voiceover assists each player with the gameplay and adaption of the story.
2022: a trip back to the abyss
In his return to Darkest Dungeon 2, June reprised his role in the sequel but was forced to alter his lines to match the new structure of the game. Though the changes in gameplay occurred, the foundation remained. June’s quote “The narrator is an integral part of the essence of Darkest Dungeon” tells everything about the game.
Outside of the dungeon: building from an expansive sonic universe
June had far more influence than only Red Hook’s titles:
- Presence. He gave presence and depth to the greatest announcements in the PC Gaming Show and lent his voice to the major events in gaming for 2017 and 2018.
- Comments. His chilling vocal commentary accompanying players during games of Dota 2 allowed fans to appreciate him on a whole different level.
- Fandom. The fandom’s appreciation for his works allowed them to incorporate his quotes in forums, memes, and fan art. Moments such as “A singular strike!” became cultural sayings celebrated by fans worldwide.
The final chapter: tributes to a lost voice
In late January 2025, Wayne June passed away. His death shocked the gaming community’s social media, particularly fans of Darkest Dungeon. They quickly flooded the internet with quotes and messages celebrating his life and work.
Legacy of a legend
June was no ordinary narrator; his voice was a character on its own. Bourassa from Red Hook said, “His deliveries were better than Christmas. He turned our writings into something legendary.” The pain and hardship he went through in life have earned him immeasurable admiration. Just as one of his admirers said: “Hard trials carry a certain grace — they are the flame that forges steel.”
Conclusion: a voice eternalized
Wayne June forever changed the role of narration in video games, as he proved that voice acting is just as important as the graphics or the gameplay. With the work he did with Red Hook Studios, he will always be remembered in video game history, and now his baritone voice will ring through dungeons for years to come.
And now the darkness holds dominion — black as death.