Critical Role Rolls the Dice on a Video Game: Exandria's Getting Interactive, Bloody Hell!
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
The Critical Role crew is making their first foray into video games, partnering with AdHoc Studio to create a game set in the world of Exandria, which means we're in for some potentially epic interactive storytelling. This could set a new precedent for gaming and streaming stars alike!
Right then, critters, hold onto your d20s! The powerhouse of tabletop streaming that is Critical Role is officially diving into the video game realm. After conquering web series, animated shows, and live performances, they're setting their sights on interactive storytelling. And fair dinkum, about time, too!
According to Eurogamer, Critical Role is teaming up with AdHoc Studio to bring the world of Exandria to life in a whole new way. AdHoc Studio, mind you, is packed with talent from the now-defunct but still legendary Telltale Games, Ubisoft, and Night School Studio (the minds behind *Oxenfree*). So, we're talking serious narrative chops here.
But what sparked this collaboration? Apparently, Travis Willingham (aka Grog Strongjaw) auditioned for AdHoc's interactive narrative game, *Dispatch*, a "superhero workplace comedy." (Sounds bonkers, right? In the best way possible.) Willingham was so impressed that he reached out, leading to this glorious partnership. "Critical Role is always looking to build with people who are innovating around new ways to deliver story, character and worldbuilding, and AdHoc fits that perfectly," he said.
*Dispatch*, which also features the voices of Matt Mercer and Laura Bailey, is slated for release later in 2025. Think of it as the appetizer before the main course: the Exandria-based video game itself. Willingham has hinted that we'll definitely see our favourite characters and that the game will be a unique and brand-new story within the Critical Role universe. I reckon, this is a great strategy. Test the waters on something new, before committing resources to the main game.
Now, what can we expect from this Exandria game? Details are still scarcer than a rogue's honesty, but it's implied that *Dispatch* will heavily inspire the look and feel of the game. (And you *know* that story, character and world-building will be top tier as that's what Critical Role does best!). Are they going for an RPG? An adventure game? A dating sim where you try to romance Scanlan Shorthalt? (Okay, maybe not that last one...probably.) But what does this mean? Is Critical Role going to pull a Netflix and become a game publisher in their own right? This has the potential to shift the entire streaming and gaming landscape. Who knows what other streaming stars will join the ranks with video games of their own?
One thing's for sure: this project has the potential to be more than just another video game adaptation. With the right team and a bit of luck, Critical Role could redefine how we experience interactive storytelling. Now, excuse me while I fire up my PC and pray to the Traveler that this game includes a robust character creation system. My half-elf bard is ready to rock (and roll!).
Tags: Critical Role, Exandria, Video Game, Tabletop Gaming, AdHoc Studio
Original article: Eurogamer