Red Hook Studios rejects AI mimicry of Wayne June's voice
Updated
Updated · Kotaku · May 8
Red Hook Studios rejects AI mimicry of Wayne June's voice
4 articles · Updated · Kotaku · May 8
Director Chris Bourassa said on the Darkest Dungeon subreddit that he declined June's final offer before the actor died in January 2025 and donated to his family instead.
Bourassa said training a machine on June's voice would erode the actor's human, timeless performances, amid fan discussion over how a possible Darkest Dungeon 3 could handle the narrator's absence.
The stance contrasts with other game industry uses of AI voice recreation, including Cyberpunk 2077's Polish version and Fortnite's Darth Vader, as debate grows over consent and posthumous digital performances.
Did the studio disrespect the actor's final wish by refusing to use an AI replica of his voice?
As AI displaces more voice actors, can other studios realistically afford to follow Red Hook’s ethical stance?