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How Critical Role Turned a Dungeons & Dragons Passion Into a Media Empire

A high school teacher's encouragement sparked a revolution. Now, Critical Role's journey from basement improv to sold-out arenas proves nerd culture rules the world.

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2 min read
The image shows a group of people standing on top of a stage, smiling and holding awards in their...
The image shows a group of people standing on top of a stage, smiling and holding awards in their hands. At the bottom of the image, there are speakers, and in the background there is a screen with the words "Classy Awards 2019" written on it, indicating that the group is celebrating their success.

How Critical Role Turned a Dungeons & Dragons Passion Into a Media Empire

The cast of Critical Role recently reflected on their unexpected rise from passionate gamers to media moguls. In a 51-minute interview with Variety, Matthew Mercer and Brennan Lee Mulligan discussed their careers, the show's growth, and the ongoing fourth campaign. The conversation also touched on their early struggles and the teacher who first introduced them to Dungeons & Dragons.

Both Mercer and Mulligan admitted they never anticipated their success. Mercer recalled how Mr. Busby, his high school teacher, first showed him that embracing nerd culture—especially Dungeons & Dragons—was something to be proud of. Mulligan, meanwhile, spoke about his early career choices, including free improv performances in basements and prioritising Dungeons & Dragons over more conventional opportunities.

Today, Critical Role operates as a thriving media company. Its core business revolves around live-streamed Dungeons & Dragons sessions, with video-on-demand content available on Twitch, YouTube, and their own platform, Beacon. Beyond Dungeons & Dragons, the team has expanded into other roleplaying systems, including their own creations, Candela Obscura and Daggerheart. They also publish art books and campaign settings under Darrington Press.

The interview, published on January 29, 2026, covered more than just gaming. Mercer addressed debates about how much of Critical Role's format was pre-planned, while Mulligan reflected on the risks he took early in his career. Both expressed gratitude for their audience and the community that has grown around their work.

Looking ahead, the crew has announced a world tour for 2025, with a confirmed stop at Berlin's Uber Arena in July 2026. Alongside their entertainment ventures, they continue to run the Critical Role Foundation, a charitable organisation supporting various causes.

From basement improv to a global media presence, Critical Role has transformed a niche hobby into a full-fledged entertainment empire. Their interview with Variety highlights how far they've come—while also setting the stage for future projects, including new games, live shows, and charitable work.

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