Why CRITICAL ROLE’s Video Game DISPATCH Is a Surprising Yet Smart Move for an Expansive Future

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Instead of a big-budget, high-profile video game being the expectation for Critical Role, this new venture aligns perfectly with their expanding media identity. This week, Critical Role unveiled a collaborative project with AdHoc Games, an indie studio based in LA, known for their upcoming title DISPATCH. Unfortunately, specific details about the game are limited at the moment, but we do know that it will take place in Exandria, introduce a fresh storyline incorporating beloved characters from Critical Role campaigns, and follow the style of games like Telltale’s, focusing on narrative choices.

It wasn’t unexpected that Critical Role was venturing into a video game project, considering they are known for being voice actors in video games. However, their choice to collaborate with a relatively new studio, AdHoc, took many by surprise. Although AdHoc is founded by industry veterans (including some who previously worked at Telltale Studio), they don’t have a significant history of releases. In fact, Dispatch is their debut video game. The decision to create a narrative choice game was also unexpected, as games like Baldur’s Gate 3 are currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Critical Role seems more suited for a deep-rooted RPG game.

The Telltale-style narrative focus game aligns perfectly with Critical Role’s aim to create compelling stories. Since one of Critical Role’s main objectives is to foster engaging storytelling, a game that centers around narrative development seems incredibly fitting. Notably, the AdHoc team has been instrumental in creating some of the most captivating storytelling games during the 2010s, with The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us gaining massive popularity due to their powerful narratives.

A game that mirrors the style of Critical Role’s main campaigns, with high risks and peril, would amplify the experience significantly. Particularly intriguing is the fact that one decision could shape the destiny of potential heroes for a long time. A game where the narrative choices are not just significant but form the very foundation of the game mechanics aligns perfectly with Critical Role’s philosophy.

For anyone questioning if AdHoc can effectively portray Critical Role’s mix of offbeat humor and intense drama, they should definitely check out the upcoming project DISPATCH. The initial trailer for this game offers a fresh perspective on superheroes, as it follows a former hero who must work at a troubled agency after his mech-suit is damaged in combat. In addition to Laura Bailey and Matthew Mercer being part of its cast, DISPATCH demonstrates that a narrative choice game can offer more than just a “choose your own adventure” format, as the core gameplay also involves deciding which heroes to send to tackle various criminal activities.

A narrative-focused video game, such as one based on Critical Role, comes with its own set of practical advantages. For instance, the development period for this kind of game is typically shorter than that of AAA games, implying we might not have to wait 5 years or more before it hits the shelves. Additionally, a smaller budget combined with a substantial fanbase like Critical Role’s increases the likelihood of the game being successful. This success could potentially lead to more Critical Role games in the future, providing a steady stream of content without the need for huge financial investments upfront. Instead of gambling on a high-risk project, Critical Role has chosen a strategy that aligns better with their interests and capabilities.

Critical Role holds DISPATCH in high regard, as evident by their choice of AdHoc Studios for the development of their first video game and also announcing a collaboration with AdHoc to turn DISPATCH into an animated series and tabletop games. Given this context, it seems that a DISPATCH tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) would be the logical next step. Interestingly, Critical Role recently hired two prominent figures in the tabletop RPG industry to run their game studio, suggesting they see ample opportunities for expanding DISPATCH beyond its initial video game foundation.

One of the most striking aspects of this news is Critical Role’s collaboration with DISPATCH, marking a significant departure from their previous involvement with video games. Unlike before, where they offered support, this time they are partnering to create an animated series and additional content for a video game, which makes this endeavor unique for them.

Based on the widespread appeal of video games, especially those like Amazon Prime’s offerings, including Critical Role partnerships, it appears that the company is actively seeking intellectual properties (IPs) to boost its status further. This move aligns with the company’s core philosophy of fostering storytelling. Moreover, this could hint at how Critical Role might grow into a major media conglomerate in the future.

Towards the close, fans of Critical Role should undoubtedly feel elated with this news. A video game based on Critical Role is underway, developed by some of the top storytellers in the industry. The release date for the game is expected within a few years and it’s anticipated to be an excellent introduction to the world of Exandria. Additionally, we’ll soon discover how Critical Role handles someone else’s intellectual property and if they can expand a captivating indie project into something more substantial. Their achievement could potentially serve as a guide for other independent games in the future.

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2025-07-23 23:03