Critical Role, the multimedia juggernaut that turned a group of voice actors playing Dungeons & Dragons into a global phenomenon, is stepping into uncharted territory: video games. As the company celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025, recent teases from the cast suggest a video game announcement is imminent. With a fanbase of millions, a history of successful expansions into animated series and tabletop RPGs, and a cast deeply embedded in the gaming industry, this move could have a seismic impact on both the video game and tabletop RPG landscapes. Here’s what we know so far about Critical Role’s mysterious new project, based on statements from the cast and industry speculation.
The first concrete hint of a Critical Role video game came in a December 2024 Rolling Stone interview, where cast members Laura Bailey and Travis Willingham revealed the company’s long-standing ambition to break into the medium. Bailey, known for her roles in The Last of Us and Spider-Man, noted that the team has been discussing a video game “since we first started playing together.” Willingham, who voices characters like Knuckles in the Sonic series and also serves as Critical Role’s CEO, added that it’s “an active pursuit,” with the team having “necessary conversations” over the past few years to approach the project strategically. He hinted at a potential announcement “maybe around the end of the year, maybe at the beginning of 2025,” aligning with the company’s 10th anniversary celebrations—a timeline that, as of April 2025, suggests we might hear more any day now.
What form this game might take is still speculative, but the cast’s comments and Critical Role’s history provide some clues. The company has a knack for leveraging its storytelling strengths across media, as seen with The Legend of Vox Machina animated series on Prime Video and the upcoming Mighty Nein show, both adaptations of their D&D campaigns. A video game could follow a similar path, potentially adapting one of their campaigns into an interactive format. Fans on platforms like Reddit have expressed a desire for a game centered on the Mighty Nein, especially with the animated series slated for release later this year. A Persona-style game with animated cutscenes and 3D gameplay has been floated as a fan-favorite idea, capitalizing on the cast’s voice acting expertise to bring characters like Jester or Caleb to life in a new way.
Alternatively, the game might not be tied to an existing campaign at all. Critical Role has built a rich world in Exandria, complete with iconic locations like Whitestone and Emon. A game featuring a new party of adventurers, with cameos from beloved characters like Vox Machina or Bells Hells, could allow players to explore this universe freely. The cast’s extensive voice acting experience—Matthew Mercer alone has voiced characters like Leon Kennedy in Resident Evil and Minsc in Baldur’s Gate 3—makes this a tantalizing prospect. Fans have even speculated about combat mechanics that end with Mercer’s signature “How do you want to do this?” line, a nod to the show’s dramatic killing blows.
Another possibility ties the video game to Critical Role’s recent tabletop RPG developments. Through their publishing arm, Darrington Press, the company has released Daggerheart, a fantasy TTRPG that entered open beta in March 2024 and is designed for long-term campaign play. Unlike D&D’s d20 system, Daggerheart uses a 2d12 mechanic (Hope and Fear dice) and incorporates cards for abilities, aiming for a more accessible and character-driven experience. Some speculate that Critical Role might use Daggerheart as the foundation for their video game, especially since the company has distanced itself from D&D in recent years—evidenced by the lack of D&D Beyond ads on their shows since early 2023. A Daggerheart-based game could serve as a proof of concept, introducing new players to the system while leveraging Critical Role’s built-in audience.
Industry speculation has also pointed to potential partnerships. Given the cast’s connections, a collaboration with a studio like Larian Studios—creators of Baldur’s Gate 3—has been a popular fan theory. Larian’s CEO, Swen Vincke, has interacted with Mercer in the past, and with Larian moving away from D&D to focus on original IPs, a joint venture with Critical Role could be mutually beneficial. Larian brings the technical expertise and capital, while Critical Role offers a guaranteed fanbase, world-building, and voice talent. However, some fans on Reddit have expressed skepticism, noting that Larian’s desire to create its own IP might not align with licensing Critical Role’s world, and Critical Role is unlikely to sell its IP outright.
The timing of this potential game is noteworthy. Critical Role’s third campaign, featuring the Bells Hells, concluded in February 2025 after 121 episodes, leaving the door open for a new campaign—possibly using Daggerheart instead of D&D. A video game announcement could coincide with this transition, amplifying the launch of both the game and the new campaign. Additionally, Critical Role’s 2025 plans include a five-city live tour across the U.S. and Australia, providing a perfect stage for a major reveal. The company’s new streaming service, Beacon, launched in May 2024, could also play a role, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes content or early access to the game for subscribers.
The broader industry impact of a Critical Role video game could be significant. The company has already reshaped the tabletop RPG space, credited with fueling D&D’s 5th Edition resurgence since 2014 by introducing the game to new audiences through their streams. A successful video game could further cement their influence, especially if it’s tied to Daggerheart, potentially challenging D&D’s dominance in the TTRPG market. However, video game development is a risky endeavor—projects often take years, and the industry is currently navigating economic upheaval. Critical Role’s cautious approach, as Willingham noted, suggests they’re aware of these challenges and are aiming to “fit into that larger ecosystem” smartly.
As of April 2025, no official announcement has been made, but the pieces are in place for Critical Role to make a splash in the video game world. Whether it’s an adaptation of their campaigns, a Daggerheart showcase, or a wholly original story in Exandria, the project is poised to leverage the company’s storytelling prowess and fanbase. With the cast’s deep ties to gaming and a decade of building a media empire, Critical Role’s video game could be a game-changer—pun intended. Fans are eagerly awaiting the next reveal, and if the company’s track record is any indication, it’ll be worth the wait.
Blastoid Games will continue to monitor this story for updates.
