A decade has passed since a small ensemble of voice actors first began streaming their private Dungeons & Dragons sessions. Since then, Critical Role has blossomed into a global phenomenon, boasting nearly 400 episodes, two hit animated series, its proprietary tabletop RPG, and an expansive library of spin-off literature. With the launch of Campaign 4—featuring an increasingly diverse roster of talent and hosted on their bespoke streaming platform, Beacon—the industry is left wondering: what height is left for Critical Role to scale?
In a recent discussion with Variety, co-founder Matthew Mercer sat down alongside the current Dungeon Master of Campaign 4 to reflect on the brand’s legacy. When asked about his future ambitions, Mercer offered a surprisingly grounded perspective.
“I’ve got nothing left on the bucket list,” Mercer admitted. “Perhaps I lack a certain type of ambition, and I’m perfectly at peace with that. I’ve done it all. I have already eclipsed every milestone I ever imagined achieving in my lifetime. Everything that happens from here on out is just a bonus.”
While this might sound like excessive modesty from the man who transformed a niche hobby into a multimedia empire, Mercer clarified that his contentment isn’t synonymous with stagnation. Instead, his focus has shifted from personal achievement to institutional stewardship.
“I see the responsibility of this platform as an opportunity to empower others,” Mercer explained. “The goal now is to use what we’ve built to highlight the passions and creative works of other talented people.”
Mercer has frequently alluded to the idea of “passing the torch” once the current narrative cycle concludes. His transition from the Dungeon Master’s chair to a player’s seat in the latest campaign appears to be more than a simple remedy for DM burnout; it is a calculated move to broaden the spotlight.
Critical Role’s recent strategic maneuvers further illustrate this commitment to the wider tabletop community. Mercer recently joined the legendary Acquisitions Incorporated for their debut Daggerheart series, which premiered at PAX Unplugged and later arrived on Beacon. This collaboration bridges two eras of actual play history. Furthermore, the hiring of industry icons Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford to Darrington Press—Critical Role’s publishing wing—signals a significant consolidation of talent following their departure from Wizards of the Coast.
The expansion continues with the inclusion of international talent like New Zealand’s Viva La Dirt League. Their new adventure, Daggerheart: Azerim, is now a fixture on the Beacon platform. Although Critical Role elected to retain D&D for its primary campaign, they are aggressively promoting their own Daggerheart system by inviting external creators to showcase it. If they aren’t the ones playing it, they are ensuring that everyone else is—and that it all lives under the Critical Role umbrella.
Beyond Daggerheart, Beacon has become a hub for various actual-play styles, hosting shows like The Re-Slayer’s Take and the gothic horror series Candela Obscura. This ecosystem suggests that Critical Role is less interested in being the only show in town and more interested in being the town itself.
While corporate pressure often demands constant, exponential growth, Mercer’s focus on communal success is a departure from the norm. Brennan Lee Mulligan perhaps best captured this sentiment in the Variety interview: “It is a rare thing to be as gifted and prolific as you are, while simultaneously embodying the spirit of celebrating every creator around you.”
There is a strategic edge to this generosity. In an era where digital creators are often at the mercy of unpredictable algorithms, Mercer recognizes the value of platform independence. By fostering a network of creators on Beacon, they are building a resilient community that doesn’t rely solely on third-party giants.
“It is incredibly precarious to stake your entire future on a platform you don’t own,” Mercer noted, referring to the industry’s reliance on Twitch and YouTube. Beacon represents a new path—one where Critical Role isn’t just passing a single torch, but rather setting a dozen new ones ablaze.
Source: Polygon
