The SECRET to Critical Role's success | The Story of Critical Role

Critical Role is now a HUGE show bringing in millions of people to watch their D&D game every week. Even from the beginning they bought in massive numbers for a Dungeons & Dragons stream.

In this video we take a dive into the reasons why Critical Role has been such a successful D&D stream.

We talk about Critters and the Critical Role Community, the production of the show and of course, the people involved in Critical Role.

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[ShriKenerd]

Why do you think Critical Role has been such a success?

[invaderzam]

I'm not sure who made this point but someone said that the cast are so relatable because each one of them can be attributed to a high school stereotype.
Travis is the jock.
Marisha is the cheerleader.
Taliesin is the goth kid.
Liam is the theater kid.
Sam is the class clown.
Laura is the class president/head of the student newspaper.
Ashley is the grungy girl/outdoorsy type.
Matt is the nerd.

[ChevaliersEmeraude]

One thing I like as well is how every player kinda reflects one specific kind of player you might have! Travis loves the battles, Laura is the "outside-the-box" thinker, trying to use the rules in clever way to her advantage, while Taliesin is more an "inside-the-box", but knows the box like the back of his hand! Liam is heavy into the dramatics (they are all actors, but that guys LOVE going into actor-mode), while Marisha is heavily invested into the lore of their game. Ashley is the player who had a hard time with the rules (but she makes it very wholesome, and she shows that even if you have a hard time with the rules, with comprehensive friends it doesn't matter; they'll give you the time you need to adjust! So you don't have to be that familiar with the rules to enjoy the game), and finally Sam is the troll, the guy who seek out the funniest of outcome, one who will NEVER use his Halfling's Luck ability unless it actually puts him at a disadvantage, because it's funnier that way!

All different type of players, and it just works well together, y'know?

[sparklefulpaladin]

I learned of CR through the Molly vs Caleb Epic Rap Battle by Hollaback Nerds and I’ll have to admit, I was very skeptical about watching a stream when I could be playing, but I gave it a try and am very glad I did. Following the M9 (and later going back and hearing Vox Machina’s story) really has helped a lot during the pandemic. From the way Matt interacts with his players, it’s obvious that they care a lot about each other and about the community and the CR community has also been one of the most welcoming and talented groups I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with.

And while I don’t want to make the home game I’m in a copy of CR, there’s a lot of stuff I’ve picked up on how to be a better player and better DM through watching and listening to Matt and the others. When we get back to being able to play D&D again (sadly, our group had to go on hiatus due to the pandemic), I’m looking forward to taking those lessons that I’ve learned to help make our D&D table a more enjoyable place for all.

[PumpkinSeries]

I sometimes look at clips to get some I spiratio s for oration, roleplay, and articulation of words.

I came from a generation that grew up “Who’s Line Is It Anyways?”, and I enjoy how improv can interweave persona, humor, and drama on the fly, and I loved developing my quick-action muscle on that.

But for their success, they’re approachable, authentic, and outspoken, and thus own their role—these traits are of successful public speakers, which is why they attract the audience they attract; a staple of good voice acting.

[KristensEpicAdventures]

Great video! I think you certainly covered all the reasons why I love Critical Role for sure 😍 Can't wait for campaign 3! I attended one of their live shows a few years back at GenCon and to see and hear the whole theater go crazy when Lorenzo was killed was amazing (sorry for the spoiler lol)... Just subbed and can't wait to see more vids!

[godfreemorals]

15 million views doesn't equal 15 million viewers btw.