Critical Role Finally Confirms A Video Game Is On the Way — And It Will Take Place In Exandria

We knew it was on the way at some point, but now it’s confirmed — a video game set on the Dungeons & Dragons show Critical Role‘s Exandria is in the works.

In partnership with L.A. developer AdHoc Studio, the group — which comprises Liam O’Brien, Marisha Ray, Sam Riegel, Ashley Johnson, Laura Bailey, Matthew Mercer, Travis Willingham, and Taliesin Jaffe — will work with AdHoc on a number of projects, including the first ever game based on the D&D group.

While we’re still some ways out of getting to play it ourselves — “We’re tossing around ideas, what are we thinking about in terms of scope and budget, and some of the things we must have,” Willingham said — Critical Role is also working with AdHoc on a narrative adventure called Dispatch, and that’s out later this year.

As reported by Variety, Dispatch will include “future brand development inclusive of an animated series, merchandise, and tabletop gaming.” It was after auditioning for Dispatch and being impressed by the game that Critical Role CEO and cast member, Willingham, decided to team up with the studio for an original game set in Exandria.

Dispatch — described as a “superhero workplace comedy” — is due for release later this year and also stars fellow Critical Role members Laura Bailey and Matthew Mercer, along with Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul and The Last of Us’ Jeffrey Wright. JacksepticEye and MoistCr1TiKaL also lend their voices to the project. In it, you manage “a dysfunctional team of misfit heroes and strategize who to send to emergencies around the city, all while balancing office politics, personal relationships, and your own quest to become a hero.”

“I absolutely flipped out. The animation was so amazing. So much so it looked like an animated show,” Willingham told Variety.

The group spoke about its big plans for the future earlier this year. There was no word on what the video game will be called or how exactly it will tie into the Critical Role universe quite yet, but Willingham said at the time that the team behind it remains “hard at work.”

Last month, as they celebrated their 10th anniversary, much of the group who make up Critical Role gathered together for a celebratory panel at IGN Live moderated by Amelia Emberwing, looking back at the path so far and teasing what the future will hold.

Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.