Matt Mercer Comments on Critical Role’s Future

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Matt Mercer, the dungeon master of the popular web series Critical Role, recently discussed how long he plans to continue with the show. Dungeons & Dragons, the tabletop role-playing game, has seen a surge in popularity over the last ten years, thanks to updated rules and the growing trend of watching live-play games online. Shows like Critical Role, Dimension 20, and Acquisitions Incorporated have introduced the game to a much wider audience, bringing in new players and fans. Critical Role has been particularly successful in this movement.

Critical Role is widely considered the most impactful live-play series based on Dungeons & Dragons. Starting with popular actor Matt Mercer as Dungeon Master, the show has showcased many well-known voice actors, such as Travis Willingham, Liam O’Brien, and Laura Bailey. The latest season saw Brennan Lee Mulligan take over as DM for the fourth campaign. Now, Matt Mercer has publicly shared his feelings about stepping down from the Dungeon Master role in Critical Role.

Matt Mercer Wants to “Show Off Others’ Passions” with Critical Role

In a recent interview with Variety, Matt Mercer discussed the future of Critical Role. He explained his decision to step down as Dungeon Master for the fourth season, expressing how thankful he is that the show has already surpassed his goals. Mercer wants to use Critical Role to highlight the talents of others, which is why he supported Mulligan taking over as DM for the fourth campaign and is open to taking a less central role overall. He’s previously mentioned wanting to share the spotlight and let other members of the cast lead the show.

Matt Mercer, who has become a well-known figure in the world of Dungeons & Dragons, might be leaving Critical Role. The show’s success led to collaborations between Mercer and Wizards of the Coast, resulting in official Dungeons & Dragons adventures like Call of the Netherdeep and The Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount. His unique Dungeon Mastering style has even influenced new DMs, who sometimes try to create overly complex games after watching Critical Role – a phenomenon fans call the “Mercer effect.”

Critical Role Has Become a Dungeons and Dragons Icon

Even if Matt Mercer decides to move on from the show he started, Critical Role is now much more than just a Dungeons & Dragons game. Critical Role Productions released its own tabletop RPG, Daggerheart, in early 2025. It uses a new game system that focuses on telling a great story, much like the show itself. Brennan Lee Mulligan has also joined as a dungeon master, bringing a new style of play, including larger groups of players exploring a vast world. Mulligan is an experienced DM, having previously led the game for Dimension 20.

Image via Critical Role

With the ongoing evolution of Dungeons & Dragons, the future of Critical Role looks promising, especially with Brennan Lee Mulligan leading the way. 2024 brought a major update to Dungeons & Dragons, including a completely revised Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, and Monster Manual. Wizards of the Coast has already expanded this new edition with the release of Eberron: Force of the Artificer, officially adding the Artificer class. As Dungeons & Dragons continues to grow, shows like Critical Role are sure to find new and creative ways to innovate and evolve.

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2026-02-01 03:08