For Better or Worse, Dungeons and Dragons’ ‘Mercer Effect’ May Have a New Heir in Critical Role Season 4

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Over the past ten years, the popularity of Dungeons & Dragons, initially introduced in 1974, has skyrocketed. A significant factor fueling this growth is the rise of popular actual play series such as Critical Role, a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) show that features prominent voice actors like Laura Bailey, Travis Willingham, and Matthew Mercer. By associating these well-known figures with Dungeons & Dragons, thousands of new enthusiasts have been attracted to the hobby, leading to a TTRPG resurgence that has continued to gain momentum.

The sudden rise in popularity of TTRPGs (Tabletop Role-Playing Games) often brings about what the community calls the “Mercer Effect.” This term refers to unrealistic expectations created by observing professional players, which can lead to disputes and disenchantment among newer game masters. With significant changes happening in Critical Role Campaign 4, there’s a possibility that this phenomenon might reappear under a new label: the Mulligan Effect.

The Dungeons and Dragons ‘Mercer Effect’ Could Become the ‘Mulligan Effect’

What Is the Mercer Effect in Dungeons and Dragons?

A close-knit gang of experienced voice artists, who have been friends for quite some time, form the core of Critical Role’s gaming table. Although it now boasts props, sets, and top-notch production quality, its allure was already apparent in its early days. In those times, the cast ranged from seasoned TTRPG players like Mercer and Liam O’Brien to fresh faces such as Marisha Ray and Ashley Johnson. The dramatic ups and downs, captivating voices, and side-splitting humor have consistently set Critical Role apart as a unique actual play.

Introducing the Mercer Effect: A newbie D&D fan, inspired by watching Critical Role, might think, “I can replicate that.” Gathering a group of eight friends (more than twice the suggested size for Dungeons & Dragons), they dive in, but soon realize their game doesn’t match up to the thrill of Critical Role or feels distinct. This persistent issue has long bothered D&D players.

Among all, perhaps no one despises the Mercer Effect more than Matt Mercer himself. In fact, he strongly advises against players measuring their performance against his, as each gaming group has unique strengths and shortcomings.

When someone measures their game against Critical Role, they’re setting themselves up for disappointment on their own gaming table. While Critical Role and other live play sessions are inspiring and great resources for learning new Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) tips, the magic that happens in their group may not translate to every gaming group. It’s unrealistic and unfair to expect that the same things will work at every table.

How Critical Role Campaign 4 Could Create the Mulligan Effect

Critical Role is preparing for its fourth campaign, but with some notable differences. This time around, Brennan Lee Mulligan will be taking the reins as the game master, while Matthew Mercer, who has been the usual game master, will now be one of the 13 players. In this new setup, these players are divided into three distinct groups, emulating a West Marches-style game.

  • Laura Bailey
  • Luis Carazo
  • Robbie Daymond
  • Aabria Iyengar
  • Taliesin Jaffe
  • Ashley Johnson
  • Matt Mercer
  • Whitney Moore
  • Liam O’Brien
  • Marisha Ray
  • Sam Riegel
  • Alex Ward
  • Travis Willingham

In a West Marches-style campaign, there are more participants than can comfortably gather around the same table. Such expansive games usually center on distinct bands of characters who engage in parallel adventures, much like the intricate narratives found in stories such as The Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones.

Mulligan is a skilled Dungeon Master who has led Dimension 20’s actual play series, Dropout, through most of its 26 seasons. In addition to this, he has also acted as the Game Master for most of Worlds Beyond Number, as well as the side stories Calamity, Downfall, and Divergence in Exandria Unlimited, a part of Critical Role.

This change might result in Mulligan acquiring more than just the Dungeon Master position. While he’s known for managing multiple players effortlessly, he’s got a robust support team consisting of veteran Dungeons and Dragons directors Jeremy Crawford and Chris Perkins to assist him. Inexperienced fans embarking on a West Marches campaign might find themselves overwhelmed trying to follow Mulligan’s lead. Whether the “Mulligan Effect” will match the prominence of the Mercer Effect remains to be seen, but fans can use Critical Role Campaign 4 as a source of inspiration rather than a template.

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2025-08-29 02:56