Critical Role, a cornerstone in the world of tabletop role-playing games, is making strides into the realm of video gaming. The creative minds behind the beloved web series have officially partnered with L.A.-based AdHoc Studio to bring their iconic universe of Exandria to life in a brand-new video game. While the excitement is palpable, fans will have to wait a few years before they can dive into this new interactive experience.
This partnership marks a significant milestone for Critical Role, as it leads to their first-ever video game. Collaborative efforts will also encompass the highly anticipated project “Dispatch,” which promises to expand the Critical Role brand beyond just gaming into animated series, merchandise, and even tabletop adaptations. These ventures represent an exciting crossroads where traditional play meets modern-day technology.
The inspiration for the collaboration with AdHoc Studio began when Travis Willingham, one of Critical Role’s key figures and a veteran voice actor, auditioned for “Dispatch.” Captivated by the game’s design and narrative style, he reached out to AdHoc’s team to discuss the potential for creating an equally immersive experience based in Exandria. This excitement was mutual, leading to a fruitful partnership.
“Dispatch,” slated for release in late 2025, is characterized as a “superhero workplace comedy.” Within this creatively charged environment, players will navigate the intricacies of managing a team of quirky heroes, tackling crises around the city while navigating office dynamics and personal relationships. The game’s narrative structure aligns well with the storytelling ethos Critical Role is known for, leveraging humor and earnestness.
The team behind AdHoc Studio, founded in 2018, comprises seasoned veterans from major gaming companies like Telltale Games and Ubisoft. Willingham’s enthusiasm for the animation quality and style was infectious, prompting him to explore ways to bring something equally engaging to Critical Role. Over dinner discussions in Studio City, the synergy between the two creative powerhouses solidified their collaboration.
Willingham emphasizes that while the development of a game set in Exandria is in its infancy, they envision a project that harnesses the same narrative-driven gameplay as “Dispatch.” Early brainstorming discussions have included considerations for character appearances and game scope. “You are going to want to see your favorite characters,” he noted, hinting at the potential for fan-favorites from previous campaigns to return in new storylines.
The notions swirling around the game’s storyline suggest it may explore narratives positioned between existing campaigns, with possible appearances from characters of Vox Machina, Mighty Nein, and Bells Hells. The ambition of creating a unique storyline distinct from the campaigns supports critical fan interest while still catering to the established lore.
Critical Role’s transition from a casual D&D gathering to a multimedia empire has included television adaptations, with Amazon producing the animated series “The Legend of Vox Machina.” As more projects unfold, such as the upcoming series based on the Mighty Nein campaign, the gaming adventure with AdHoc symbolizes another dynamic facet of their storytelling evolution. Willingham has aspirations for “Dispatch” to also evolve into an animated series, showcasing the potential for multimedia narratives in tandem with gaming.
The overall strategy for Critical Role is one of thoughtful expansion. Willingham underscores the need for a balance: pursuing large-scale projects while ensuring production timelines remain manageable and budgets accessible. By avoiding the pitfalls of AAA game development, they aim to maintain a responsible pace for their creative endeavors, arriving at a release timeline of a few years rather than upwards of five.
As fans eagerly await details about the upcoming releases, the synergy between Critical Role and AdHoc Studio opens tantalizing possibilities for storytelling, character exploration, and the expansion of a beloved universe. Each new project is a step closer to merging the essence of tabletop gaming with the imaginative potential of video games, promising a rich, interactive experience that fans of all kinds can enjoy.
