Red Hook Studios director Chris Bourassa has confirmed the developer will not use generative AI to replicate the voice of late Darkest Dungeon narrator Wayne June in future projects.

Key Points

• Wayne June, the iconic narrator of the Darkest Dungeon series, passed away in January 2025.
• Despite receiving late-stage permission from June to train an AI on his voice, Red Hook Studios declined the offer.
• Director Chris Bourassa stated he refuses to erode June’s human performances by using machine learning technology.
• The studio opted to donate to June’s family instead of pursuing synthetic voice replication for future game development.
• Other industry examples, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Fortnite, have previously utilized AI to recreate or feature deceased actors' voices.

Why it Matters

This decision highlights a growing ethical divide in the gaming industry regarding the use of generative AI to replicate the performances of deceased voice actors. By prioritizing artistic integrity over synthetic preservation, Red Hook Studios is setting a precedent for how developers might handle the legacy of iconic talent in an era of rapidly advancing technology.