Slate staff writer Luke Winkie joins the hosts to discuss his profile of Critical Role's Matthew Mercer. They delve into Critical Role's immense success, the 'Mercer Effect,' and the changing perception of Dungeons & Dragons. They also explore the appeal and impact of theatricality and voice actors in Critical Role, as well as discussing diversity in the fantasy genre.
Critical Role's success has increased the popularity and visibility of Dungeons & Dragons as a hobby.
The 'Mercer Effect' refers to the high expectations and comparisons that arise when players try to replicate Matthew Mercer's dungeon mastering style, inspiring both frustration and diversity in the tabletop gaming community.
Deep dives
The Rise of Critical Role and Matthew Mercer's Influence
Critical Role, a web series launched in 2015, has become a massive success, garnering millions of views and generating millions of dollars in revenue. The show features a group of talented voice actors playing Dungeons & Dragons in an entertaining and immersive way. The success of Critical Role has contributed to the increased popularity and visibility of Dungeons & Dragons as a hobby. While some hardcore D&D fans may have reservations about the show's polished production and professional performances, its impact on the tabletop gaming community cannot be denied. Matthew Mercer, the game master of Critical Role, has become a prominent figure in the D&D world and has even been able to expand beyond the show, collaborating with other celebrities and becoming a household name.
The Mercer Effect and Challenges in Running D&D Games
One aspect of Critical Role's success is what is known as the 'Mercer Effect,' which refers to the high expectations and comparisons that arise when players or game masters try to replicate Mercer's dungeon mastering style. Mercer, a professional voice actor, brings a level of skill and performance to his game that is hard to match for most hobbyist players. This can lead to resentment or frustration within the D&D community when players realize that running a game at home is not the same as watching a professional performance. However, the popularity of Critical Role has also had positive effects, inspiring more diversity in the tabletop gaming community and encouraging new players to join the hobby.
The Drama and Fandom of Critical Role
Like any popular online community, Critical Role has its fair share of drama and fandom. Some fans have strong opinions about Mercer's dungeon mastering style, leading to debates and conflicts within the community. Additionally, as Critical Role has gained more fame and influence, there is a fine balance between maintaining the authenticity of a friendly group of friends playing a game and running a successful business. The parasocial relationship between the audience and the cast of Critical Role can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations or misunderstandings. Ultimately, while Critical Role has brought newfound attention to Dungeons & Dragons, it also faces its own set of challenges and controversies.
The Impact and Future of Critical Role
The success of Critical Role has led to the expansion of the franchise, including an animated TV show and spin-offs. While some fans may have reservations or criticism, Critical Role has undeniably played a significant role in shaping the Dungeons & Dragons community and increasing its visibility. Matthew Mercer's rise to fame as a dungeon master and the show's popularity have created new possibilities and opportunities in the tabletop gaming world. As the show continues to evolve and grow, it remains a key player in the future of Dungeons & Dragons and the broader hobbyist gaming community.
On today’s episode, Rachelle Hampton and Candice Lim are joined by Slate staff writer Luke Winkie to discuss his recent profile of Critical Role’s Matthew Mercer. Launched by Mercer and his friends in 2015, Critical Role is undoubtedly a megahit, boasting over 600 million views on YouTube. As Winkie wrote in his profile, “A 2021 data leak out of Twitch confirmed that Critical Role is one of the richest channels on the platform, generating a mammoth $9.6 million in revenue between 2019 and 2021.” Hampton, Lim and Winkie discuss the appeal of Critical Role, the so-called “Mercer Effect” and whether Critical Role’s success indicates that Dungeons & Dragons is no longer just the domain of the proudly geeky.
This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim and Rachelle Hampton.