Critical role dungeon master Matt Mercer shared his thoughts on the beloved's future Dungeons and dragons webcomics, considering when his time with the series ends. The iconic tabletop roleplaying game has become more popular over the past decade, with new revisions to the game and the rise of live online play. Dungeons and dragons series like Critical role, Dimension 20and Acquisition Incorporated has helped bring the game to a massive new audience, attract new players and bring in even more eyeballs. However, Critical role have easily been among the most notable in the trend.
Critical role has arguably been the most culturally significant live-play franchise to come from Dungeons and dragons IP. The series, originally DMed by popular actor Matt Mercer, has featured some of the biggest voice talent in the business, including beloved names like Travis Willingham, Liam O'Brien and Laura Bailey. The last season of Critical role even saw a new player step into the Dungeon Master position, with Brennan Lee Mulligan leading the fourth campaign. Now, Matt Mercer has officially shared his thoughts on stepping away from the role of DM Critical role.
Matt Mercer wants to “showcase other people's passions” with a critical role
In a recent interview with Variety, Matt Mercer was seen sharing his thoughts on where Critical role may go in the future. Mercer addressed his decision to step back from DMing Critical role for the fourth season, sharing his gratitude for “already exceeding his expectations” for what he was able to accomplish. Mercer cited his desire to use Critical role as a platform to “showcase other people's passions,” including Mulligan taking over the show for Critical roles fourth campaign and possibly step back from Critical role as a whole. Matt Mercer has previously spoken about his feelings about “passing the torch”. Critical rolewhich allows other members of the party to take the limelight.
Matt Mercer potentially stepping away from Critical role comes as the actor has become one of the biggest public faces of Dungeons and dragons. The popularity of Critical role has seen Mercer work with Wizards of the Coast several times to develop official content based on the series, including Call of the Netherdeep and The Explorer's Guide to Wildemount. Matt Mercer's distinct style of DMing has even led to what fans call the “Mercer Effect”, causing newer DMs to be overambitious with their own games after seeing Critical role.
Critical roll has become a Dungeons and Dragons icon
While Matt Mercer may be considering taking a step away from the series he helped create, Critical role has grown far beyond its D&D roots. Critical Role Productions officially launched its own tabletop RPG in early 2025, with Dagger heart uses a unique system inspired by the narrative-focused approach used within the series. The introduction of Brennan Lee Mulligan as the dungeon master has also brought a new perspective to the series, including the switch to a West Marches style of play with larger, split parties of players. Mulligan also has plenty of previous experience as a dungeon master, and acts as the main DM for Dimension 20.
Critical roleThe future may be in good hands with Brennan Lee Mulligan as Dungeons and dragons continues to evolve around the series. In 2024, the last major revision of the was launched Dungeons and dragonslaunches with an all-new Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide and Monster Manual. Wizards of the Coast has also already added a new class Dungeons and dragons' 2024 revision, with the release of Eberron: Force of the Artificer introducing an official version of the titular class. The continued growth of Dungeons and dragons will certainly see series like Critical Role revamped and transformed with fresh new ideas and perspectives.
- Franchise
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Dungeons & Dragons
- Original release date
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1974
- Designer
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E. Gary Gygax, Dave Arneson
