How Matthew Mercer Changed DND Forever

Matthew Mercer, the DM of Critical Role, is one of the most influential figures in DND history. Let's talk about why
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Hello! My name is Jay, and I am a long-time veteran of storytelling and a semi-seasoned DM! I began playing Dungeons and Dragons roughly 5 years ago and began my first ever game as the DM. I figured things out by watching online games and fumbling my way through the rules, and never looked back! I've fallen in love with TTRPG's in general and want to share my experience and thoughts with the world and community I love so much. I currently DM two separate games regularly, and continue to learn every day.
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[@PlayYourRole]

Quick note to a lot of people asking where Orion and Tiberius fit into this: It's truly never in my plans to address Orion. The Critical Role cast has made it very clear they have no desire to discuss that situation, and that it was a private manner. I intend to respect their privacy and wishes out of respect for them. I hope you all can understand that. Thank you!

[@nicholassano2854]

I will also add that PAX live stage for D&D put on by Penny Arcade also started to launch the 5e and D&D reemergence and to emphasis the fact that no DM is perfect the DMs at the PAX live stage were literally the two men who co-created D&D 5e Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford who both have over the years made mistakes live on stage not to mention one reason why Geek and Sundry got as much viewership as it did was becuase of PAX and Will Wheaton one of 2 of the people who started Geek and Sundry the other being Felecia Day for those who don't know Will Wheaton played Weasley Crusher on Star Trek next gen and mat is a great no doubt but he has had arguments on live stream with Liam over the casting of a spell in second campaign and several little spats with Sam in all three season already however it dosen't keep them all from being friends it's a game ladies and gents and those of more numerical pronouns D&D is a game for those who wish for an RPG but don't want to play a video games now a days and those who seek comradery in a game and to experience something outside there norm remember it is not the story that brings a world to life it is the people who sit around you during a session that brings it to life As i like to say when i DM roll like ur life depends on it becuase ur characters surely do and enjoy

[@LaenayaSathe]

@@nicholassano2854 Ahhhh man... those days. I remember watching all this develop. I had those Acquisitions Inc games on REPEAT, and then eventually took a dive into Critical Role and kept up on both of them. It was incredible, and both groups changed my life for the better. :)

[@badadbubub2519]

the people that got cut out are never talked about in depth. tiberius is just one example. another one is how Brian W. Foster got forced out, there is not a shred of transparacy there and they have him gagged too. i like CR a lot but both theese instances stink to me.

[@Margar02]

Everything that needs to be said about it has already been very well said by a couple other channels, so that's available if someone wants to know. No need to beat a dead horse here :) i appreciate that

[@Margar02]

@@badadbubub2519 not knowing these people irl means my opinion is flimsy at best, but I always got a bad vibe from BWF. Not that I dislike him. He had a lot of great qualities and talents too, but his aura seemed off. I could tell there was something off, behind the scenes, but I didn't know what. I didn't follow the twitter stuff either. Anyway, I just think it was one of those scenarios when you like and respect a person, recognize their value and talent, want the best for them, but ultimately their attitude, insecurities, worldview, or energy is causing more problems than solving, a decision had to be made. The fact that BWF was dating a cast member may have added another level of sensitivity to things, so out of respect for Ashley, we need to remember that several hearts were involved here and the quietness is probably not nefarious moreso than just private

[@zenharmonic]

To reiterate much of what's said here, I'll repeat what I say whenever I see someone talking about the Mercer Effect: don't try to be a DM like Matt; try to be a person like Matt. He's one of nicest, most caring human beings I've ever seen, and he does his best to use the platform he's been given for good. That's what the Mercer Effect really ought to be.

[@VanNessy97]

The Mercer Effect should be about working with your players to produce a fun and invigorating story that everyone at the table will enjoy.

[@omega311888]

"nicest , most caring human beings...." unless youre a conservative. then hes an asshole

[@johnathansanford8206]

As I'll say before and again, Mat ,just like bennon, and abria, are tools to be used to improve yourself, not to be selfishly jealous of. And a strong person will recognize an opportunity for what it is. A chance to improve yourself. The usefulness of these shows is that we have an ABUNDANCE of information that we can review critically and use that information or not.

[@sarmbaker3945]

Very much. I watched it and they were entertaining. It to bad Will quit play, he really stopped when it was just taking off. The regular streaming game the guys started was ok but just couldn’t compete with the Critical role for story and as good as the DM was, after all he is WOTC he didn’t have the depth of “the Mercer” effect Matt brought to the game and actors added. Sometimes a good thing as you can tell when Matt hits the stretch sighn while he looks up or improvises something because you get a half hour emp from O’Brien or Whatever the improve to kill time. But it motivated me to run a game at 48 at I ran it for 3 years in my own world. I just relied on the supper nerds playing to advise me on rules and I used a dunk tv under a glass table connected to fantasy grounds to pop up maps and use as quick ref befor they finnaly came out with Beyond

[@talscorner3696]

While not trying to be a DM like Matt is solid advice, there's still some use in learning the whys and hows behind Critical Role's success, as there's at least a few lessons for everyone ^^

[@liebneraj]

MM is the perfect DM ... *for his table*. Any DM that is going to be a good to great DM for their own table is going to do exactly what MM has done - looked at what other DMs do and how they do it - and take it those aspects that fit roughly within their own game, and mold it and polish it until it becomes its own immutable quality within their own game.

[@PlayYourRole]

Exactly, it's not a science! It's about creating and developing relationships over a course of time to create a game unique to you and your players.

[@meatybtz]

@@PlayYourRole Used to call it "reading the table". But that was decades ago. A rigid DM/GM is going to run into problems but if one looks at one's DM experience as a tool kit to draw on and meet the needs of your table/players, the dynamics there of, then it will be a lot more fun. I do have a few immutables in my DM kit but that is more limits on what I think is acceptable gameplay on a personal level and avoidance of what I think is overall risky or disruptive story features (socially speaking, things that always lead to table disruption, without really any exception).

[@Sturmensky]

100% agree! A "good" DM is one who meshes well with their players, sets clear expectations (i.e., what "style" the game will have, what they consider acceptable vs. unacceptable), and is able to modify what they do to ensure they and the players have fun. No single "style" or set of procedures will be fun for every DM or player group. For example, I have a friend who jokes that his campaigns would be on Reddit's DnD Horror Stories if he had a different group of players. He does incredibly grimdark campaigns (lots of slavery, etc.), tends to preface his descriptions of what characters see using words like "maybe", and does extremely tight narratives. His players adore it. They love the style and the way he DMs. Personally? I find his settings oppressing and the constant hedging annoying ("just tell me what they see!"). So I'm not a good fit for his campaigns. In contrast, my own campaigns tend to have a much wider focus of moods (I'm a firm believer that darkness gets numbing after a while) and worldbuilding. There's an overarching plot, but if my players go on a tangent, I'll indulge it (promising myself I'll find a way to loop it back eventually). There are players in my friend's campaign who would hate my games. Neither of us are bad DMs. But we've taken what works for other DMs, picked bits to add to our toolkit, and applied all of it in a way that's fun for us and our players; without ever being overly rigid. For *our* players? We're good DMs - and the "right" DMs.

[@kyleconductorandtuba]

I pull aspects of all of the CR and D20 DMs and implement it in my style at my table with my players

[@liebneraj]

@@kyleconductorandtuba Then you are working on becoming a great GM for your table. ;)

[@nightangelx1513]

The mark of a good dungeon master isn’t their knowledge of the rules, or the amount of characters they can role play, it’s how much fun their players are having.

[@0num4]

Simultaneous to their own fun. DMs are players too, and they should ensure they're enjoying their time at the table as well.

[@jasoninthehood9726]

A great dungeon master makes you get lost in the game. Immersion. Period. I’ve played with shitty DMs and one of the hallmarks of a great DM is someone who can make you feel like you’re in a real world. Someone who can paint a picture with words. That’s what separates a good DM from a great DM.

[@ninjagoggles]

I started watching CR when I was about to start playing in a 5e campaign, having ZERO experience with D&D. I had GMed for kids playing Camp Myth & Kids on Bikes, but had no clue about what D&D was AT ALL. I started with C2 & was mostly bored... I listened as a podcast while doing dishes & generally fucking about. One day I realized I was fucking CRYING about an NPC (Kiri) and had to suddenly take stock of my life. I have since GMed other systems and DMed 5e for an entire school year for kids plus one-shots. Matt has surely influenced my style in that he taught me so many things just by playing.

[@kiritotheabridgedgod4178]

I'd also argue that the mark of a good DM is being able to fabricate things on the fly, when your players inevitably start making progress up the Henderson Scale of Plot Derailment(Be it fabricating an entirely new sub plot, or fabricating a new plot hook, that seems different but links back to the main plot.)

[@Lupostehgreat]

​​@@0num4oh God, this is so important. Look, a lot of people are going to try and replicate Critical Role, and this is noble and it's okay. However, DMs, as they are without this, are prone to burnout. If you try to do Mercer's style, be prepared to have little to no fun as a DM unless you have a VERY, VERY, VERY supportive group. Your players need to do a lot of work, and if they don't understand this then they don't deserve that. Doing all this world building is fucking EXHAUSTING, and if you have a table full of people who enjoy smashing these things, or look at you wierd when you give lore, or belittle what you do, then don't do it. They don't deserve it. Always make sure everyone is on the same page, and willing to give the same amount of commitment.

[@StevenJQuinlan]

I come at this from a slightly different angle. D&D is my main hobby, I've been playing it since 1994 and I love this game more than anything, but the truth is that my game was dying. 4e was not well received though it enjoys a niche following, and there was talk of 4e being possibly the last full edition of 5e failed. Critical Role saved D&D in a very real terms. It brought it out of the shadows and into the main stream. It brought thousands, hundreds of thousands of players to the game. It literally changed the landscape. I don't care if he's a good DM. I don't care if the Matt Mercer effect is occasionally frustration. They saved my hobby from disappearing into being that niche thing only a very few people played and I will always, always be grateful for that. Grateful for CR for bringing so many new faces into the hobby. For turning something I was bullied for into something that can now be discussed without fear by kids. Matt Mercer changed the world, for the better, flaws included, and that's rare.

[@thac0twenty377]

nah we never disappear man. We're rhe creative introverts. we'll rip paper up to for makeshift dice, drink too much mountain dew and bring up ingainary fights with thj gs that do t exist randomly 10 years later. i dont- I feel mainstreaming watered the creativity down. MM doesn't do anything we haven't the last 30 years, just did it when there was a public platform. And we always have an extra seat, because we enjoy new people and ideas. Keep gaming man

[@jasoninthehood9726]

@@thac0twenty377 How does mainstreaming “water down” the creativity? I’d love to hear your excuse for this because I already disagree. You better have a good argument because I already got mine ready in my pocket to fire right back at you.

[@thac0twenty377]

@@jasoninthehood9726 well you've already had your conversation. no need for me to answer then. oddly proving my point.

[@Kfaircloth13457]

I'm 45. When I was a kid you DID NOT talk to anyone about playing D&D. I'm from the American Midwest. It was either devil worship or you got nerd bashed by everyone. You were more likely to play a game with random strangers than someone you knew. Frankly it was safer lol. I'm so f-ing happy that young people today usually don't have to deal with that. It still happens, but now there's a cohesive community to stand with them.

[@s.g.devries8557]

@@Kfaircloth13457 yep same story here. When I think back on it, I am still a bit angry that all the fun and friends I could have had got stolen by such ill-informed religiosity. In ‘89 I scrounged $20 to stealth-buy the AD&D players manual. Read the thing many times but never played. I probably would have been sent to some religious re-education camp. My dad was a pastor. Pretty sure there would have been talk of prayer-circles and exorcisms if they had ever found that book.

[@paxtenebrae]

At a con years ago, I told Matt once that I thought he was a great role model for men and boys because of how centered in love he is. Most of the role models men and boys have are...not that great, actually. At least when I was growing up in the late 80s, early 90s the only figures I believed in were like...benevolent space aliens like The Doctor, Spock and Superman. Most of the cultural influences were encouraging me to be cut off from my emotions and promoted a kind of socially acceptable viciousness that made me feel very alone. I think he does make a difference for the better and I also don't think he's prefect. I think he struggles quite a bit to provide advice to DMs that will move the needle if those DMs are struggling (that's where people like BLM and Matt Colville come in.) But if D&D is going to be mainstream, we are pretty lucky to have Matt Mercer as our representative. When I talked to Matt about this, he hugged me. I wasn't expecting it, I was in fact shocked, but that is very Matt. Dude has a huge heart. Man...I know the "Matt Mercer hugged me" story sounds like "And then everybody clapped" but I swear on my own mother's soul that REALLY happened. I don't know if I'd believe it if someone else told me.

[@Desdemona-XI]

I would, because that is Matt's way, you often see him struggling to be unable to reach over the table and hug someone.

[@Xiatter]

I believe you. And I'm happy for you. And I'm glad he is anything at all like he seems to be on Critical Role. We need more men who understand that good masculinity isn't about repressing your emotions and hating women.

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

That is so adorable.

[@steved1135]

Who is 'BLM' ??

[@Xiatter]

@@steved1135 Brennan Lee Mulligan.

[@0num4]

"...where everybody at the table...cares more about each other than they care about the game." Well stated! It is often overlooked that the cast of CR are all long time coworkers, colleagues, and friends. Their relationships were established years prior, in most cases, to their D&D games. I strive for the type of game where we give a crap more about the others at the table, than the game itself.

[@PlayYourRole]

EXACTLY. They are true friends, and I admire them all so much for being able to put that first in everything they do

[@baseballjustin5]

Just look at when Liam DMed. *robot liam* mY fRiEnDs

[@LiquidxAngel]

@@baseballjustin5 Oh god, that just made my heart break READING IT. When I saw that one-shot - INSTANT tears.

[@1rotzy]

Another example of Matt being great was, I think during the Obann fight in C2, Laura was making just really bad rolls. She was getting frustrated, angry, and just not having fun. Matt picked this up and tried to cheer her up. Letting her know she has been playing the character fantastically, her dice just need to be sterilized. In my mind, that’s a great DM. While the world he builds for the game is his baby, his players are what really are what’s important.

[@ChristieLily35]

I think fairly recently in C3, Marisha had a night like that too. Matt, Travis, and Liam were all there to cheer her up. But also respected tit's frustrating when you roll badly all night. It says a lot that it's okay to express the good emotions, but also freely express the "negative" emotions. Actually it says more that they can and do express the negative emotions. It also shows a lot about Matt in that he can play off that. He does it a lot with bad rolls too, he doesn't just leave them hanging with no information because a couple of people rolled badly.

[@CharalamposKoundourakis]

I had burnt out as a dm and hadn't player dnd for a year. It was stumbling across cr and watching Matt that fired me up, inspired me to take some improv classes and I've been running the best dnd of my life for the last couple years.

[@PlayYourRole]

Sometimes finding someone who inspires you is just the kind of jumpstart you need to do something you're truly passionate about

[@Cretaigne95]

The "bad" that came out of critical role is just symptomes of the democratisation of the hobby, more people joining in, more assholes, it's a normal thing. As an ex-normie I found the Dnd community one of if not the most welcoming out of all the typicaly nerdy stuff. We are blessed to have such humble and human figureheads (touching all the wood, don't want to jinx that)

[@PlayYourRole]

It's always important to remember the jerks are generally the loud minority. I've loved every bit of being a part of the TTRPG community

[@yuvalgabay1023]

Well ya. .but we should also remember the "p0rn " effect that's cause whit some player's ("the feeling of despodment about actually playing the game). Not saying it's destructive. By all account the loss is minimal but should be remembered. And probably most of them will never like actually playing ttrpg. But it is there.

[@LocalMaple]

The real Matt Mercer effect: let the players make their backgrounds freely, and use their throwaway joke lines and missed sessions to make new plot hooks. Matt plays off his players. We would have no Blueberry Cupcake without Sam elaborating on his backstory, Jester looking for a bakery in an earlier town, nor Jester asking to make a deal with the Hag. It sometimes feels like Matt does 30% of the work, and his players feed him enough information or dialogue to make the rest of the 70%.

[@SuperGoose42]

Love this. I try to do this in my games, doesn't always work but it's fun when it does

[@PlayYourRole]

Exactly! When the players recognize that what they do inspires YOU, it makes it 1000% easier to invest into a game

[@MravacKid]

There's nothing better than taking one of those jokes and making it a part of the world :)

[@Shindenize]

I actually incorporate this method in my games too. In fact, a huge villain in my game only was created out of a joke that one of my players made in the lines of "What if alone of these legendary heroes of the planet turns out to be an envious bastard?" Lo and behold, the Knight Of Lies is born.

[@jayjaygolden5123]

still feel bad for leaving the campaign where my semi joke character was made to be a big deal in the world

[@maxwillsch2938]

I recognise a lot of myself in Matt, especially the struggles he describes going through. So to me, seeing that someone with a lot of the same struggles can succeed like he has gives me hope for myself as well. It makes the future look ever so slightly less scary.

[@PlayYourRole]

Exactly. One of bravest things he's done is continue being himself, and letting that struggle be something to motivate him and I can't thank him enough for it

[@blackwell4701]

That between the sheets always gets me. As a creative it SUCKS when you feel you aren't impactful or wasteful with your projects, really hits close to home. And with parasocial criticisms online, en masse really drives home how negative attention really hurts communities and individuals. It's one of the main reasons I've always shied away from trying to make content (like you do! it always feels so wildly brave imo when younger or smaller channels strive to make quality and frequent videos/posts like this) or post on social media about things I make in general. It's a terrifying concept, especially with some climates and norms in certain social circles (Looking at the vitriol from certain diehards).

[@PlayYourRole]

Matt truly was one of the largest reasons to get started, and weirdly enough it was his massive respect for Marisha that helped get me to start making videos. My wife is, in many ways, a lot like Marisha. She encouraged me relentlessly to start this channel, and seeing Matt trust his wife honestly helped me realize I needed to get over myself and trust mine. Best thing I've ever done.

[@PianoMyHeart]

one of the most incredible aspects of Matt Mercer is his humility. You’d think a guy this successful and just plain GOOD at his craft would have a good excuse to be a jerk, but his constantly willingness to work hard and remain empathetic to others is so beautiful to watch.

[@golvic1436]

You younglings call it “The Matt Mercer Effect” but us old guns call it “My Other DM”. Matt didn’t create the effect. He just propelled it to the main stream. Now Matt is a master of his craft. No joke. But take it from another old time DM, we wish you were Sam and Laura far, far more than you wish we were Matt. The thing is that there is a pantheon of Master DMs, and Matt is just one of them. You learn from the masters. You figure out why they are the masters. Then you pick what works for you and what doesn’t and you eventually become one of them.

[@Tawleyn]

That's how I see it too. There are tons of talented, passionate, skillful DMs out there, but it doesn't matter in the end if their players can't get engaged or don't care about their characters or the characters in the party. Critical Role owes a *large* part of its success to the players who fully embrace the world Matt has created and *live* in it.

[@fomori2]

Other than Matt's voice acting skills, he is just another really good DM. The special part of CR is the players, how they all interact together along with Matt, and the financial ability to put on a good show. If you put Matt with the average DnD group, and without the budget of being paid entertainment, he wouldnt turn them into anything special.

[@chetranqui]

I just watched an episode of C3 in which Talesin brought everyone to the inn just to play "Rollies" where they rolled die to figure out who got the right to ask whom about their life leading up to joining the party. Matt did nothing for 20 minutes straight as the players just roleplayed and shared lore about their character, "drinking" and "rolling" and trying to dodge questions (or trying to answer them!). Honestly, as a future D&D player, it was kinda inspiring... and incredibly frightening! I'd love to be able to engage with other players like that, but I aint no actor!

[@FlRELAlR]

"We wish you were Sam and Laura far, far more than you wish we were Matt." Very perceptive. I love players that role play, players that get clever, that take risks for the sake of a more memorable story, and that accept that their character wouldn't know xyz and don't meta game. A perfect adventure party has many, if not all, of these qualities.

[@theblaze5530]

@@FlRELAlR yes! I consider Taliesin and Liam role models for d&d rp

[@joranvanolphen9892]

One of my favorite moments is that in C2 matt got a how do i wanna do this and the whole cast was cheering him on. Really showing they all care for each other. Matt didn’t want to take the moment away from his players and the rest of the cast were so happy matt was able to get a very fun and awesome moment in a battle

[@chetranqui]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYPRdJJ-iJd2oZY Looks like Matt was controlling an NPC ally of the party in combat (not 100% sure of the context, but found the moment!)

[@chetranqui]

at 3:42:15 of Exandria Unlimited Episode 1, Matt got his first ever HDYWTDT as a player, too. Really incredible moment when he 100% felt the full force of the conquest... another moment where the entire table erupted, DM included.

[@CuringBloom]

This video was beautiful. I really hope Matt has the opportunity to see it.

[@PlayYourRole]

I can only hope, but what truthfully is important to me is that he knows he has made a difference, even if he finds that out having never watched this video

[@LocalMaple]

11:13 Aabria: My first time DMing for Critical Role! I’m nervous! I better make a serious campaign about everyone’s first taste of power. I’ll make an ashen mesa with a glowing sigil, as well as a Fey crossing with a trial. The party: Let’s stick our hands into the Ash hole on the Oh No Plateau, then flip this grassy gator!

[@PlayYourRole]

Ain't that just the way?

[@Desdemona-XI]

That also to me shows the players doing a little something to help reassure and relax Aabria, like when you meet a friend's circle of friends and they make that extra effort to include you in jokes and play.

[@queenannsrevenge100]

I REALLY hope that we don’t find out about him secretly kicking puppies or running child sweat-shops, because based on so many eyewitness anecdotes, he just genuinely seems like a Good Dude. Very humble, very dedicated to giving of himself to others, and very concerned about leaving the world better than he found it. That’s one of the best legacies a person could leave.

[@yuvalgabay1023]

Look kicking children is just in the dnd spirit

[@master0fthearts894]

@@yuvalgabay1023 Amen to that. 🤣

[@H2SO4pyro]

That's to be expected tho. Everyone knows every rpg player do sacrifice virgins under the full moon and bath in the blood of newborns.

[@flamepulse42]

I once saw him feed a puppy chocolate at GenCon....

[@ultrabigfella]

@@flamepulse42 unbeknownst to most, chocolate isn't extremely deadly to dogs. It takes a full size Hershey bar to affect a 10 pound dog, and even then it most likely will not be deadly.

[@kazekitsune9892]

good video, but i was not ready to cry today 😭🤧

[@PlayYourRole]

Listen I wasn't ready to cry while recording but life comes at you fast 😭

[@kazekitsune9892]

@@PlayYourRole Fair, I would also like to say that your videos have helped me a lot as Dm and a player, and inspires me to do better so keep it up! You're doing great!

[@ThorsShadow]

As both a player and soon DM, I personally love the effect CritRole had on DnD and I love the Matt Mercer effect. Why? Because it makes me strive to be better as a DM and not half-ass my stuff. I'm planning what I'm going to do. I'm not Matt and I'm not trying to be. But the stuff he does gives me so much inspiration in preparation for my campaign (DMing for a group of coworkers, only one of which played DnD before in I believe 2nd or 3rd edition; starting with the new "Essentials Kit" and then leading into "Curse of Strahd", which will be enhanced via various options found in "Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft"). I also love how the cast oft CritRole inspires me as a player to not half-ass my characters and put some effort into my roleplaying, making decisions befitting my character instead of making the right decision from a "meta" perspective etc. Yes, there are idiots out there: players, expecting their DMs to be exactly like Matt or DMs expecting their players to be exactly like the cast of CritRole or either of these groups expecting their sessions to go the same as they do with CritRole. That's not Matt's fault, that's not CritRole's fault. That's just people not thinking properly. CritRole is CritRole, you are you. Do your own stuff and be creative and don't get mad when stuff isn't like it is on Critical Role. One would expect people playing a very creative game like DnD to be able to understand that without being told. But here we are, having something called "The Matthew Mercer Effect", because people sometimes are just a bit dumb like that. Also absolutely agree, that caring about each other is important. The game is more than stat block against stat block. There are people playing this game. Having your character die sucks. Having a string of absolutely terrible rolls sucks. I think it's important people show empathy in very social games like DnD. Have a nice day everyone and don't forget to love each other.

[@PlayYourRole]

There are two sides that I see: People who don't want to be expected to be able to uphold those standards (which is fair) And people who strive to improve through being inspired. I firmly believe we should all be in the second category, and not shoving people into the first

[@ThorsShadow]

@@PlayYourRole Absolutely agree with you. Just DMed my first session last weekend. We started with the "Dragon of Icespire Peak" module. Two of three players never played DnD and the other played 2nd and 3rd/3.5 in his teens. I ended up planning out the first 10 minutes or so to get them into the game, because I felt like they're going to do everything but not what I'd plan. Which is precisely what happened. We all had a ton of fun and can't wait for the next session next week. Although there's going to be more planning then.

[@gervasiolembo4028]

I've been investigating academically how interactive narratives are replacing the role of mythology in society, and your video puts a lot of stuff I sometimes struggle to explain to others in such a plain language, with your Matt examples. Thanks a lot!

[@goldenlokosian3740]

Huh... You know, that's an interesting perspective I hadn't thought of before. Is this something you've been looking into for a doctoral thesis or something along those lines?

[@gervasiolembo4028]

@@goldenlokosian3740 So far it's a master's degree thesis proposal, waiting to see if it gets accepted.

[@filthycasual8187]

In all fairness, I'm pretty sure interactive narratives likely WERE mythology for the longest part of our history, back when stories were passed down orally instead of written down.

[@JayShoPalmz]

I'm not crying. It's just a sparkle in my eyes that is inspired and that inspiration is just pouring out of my eyeballs.

[@last2nkow]

Matt mercer is a really great dm of his style. The kind of deep lore and way he weaves backgrounds of characters into the story is truly great. He has a more serious and almost severe grasp on the rules. It is his table and does control the story in a way some other DMs don't, and that is both amazing and restrictive. Looking at Mercer he is the kind of DM who runs like he is inviting people to play his game by his rules on his theming and to his tone. Compare that to Brennan Lee mulligan and its a whole other table and tone. He runs such a fast paced game that adds and adds and adds and gives power to the players to really run off and do whatever they want. Like, literally. From being a pirate legends son ambushing a mind flayer without his party to back him up to a princess running off to town dressed as a pauper to go to a sexy underwear shop at night or even letting a tiefling just keep digging as they make a dreadful disguise where their name is the same name twice and live on two streets of the same name and let them try their crazy zany, I'll thought out schemes even when there are no rules or it shifts tone entirely. Both DMs are the top of the game, but the best steak in the world is a world of difference to the best red wine. Complete different, both great.

[@CharalamposKoundourakis]

D20 is a show more than a game. I feel like we need to emebwr that, there's a lot of editing.

[@PlayYourRole]

It really comes down to what you enjoy. If you like your steak rare, and someone serves you the greatest well done steak in the world... It still isn't going to be your favorite, right? So you gotta find what you like, and a group of people who agree!

[@last2nkow]

@@CharalamposKoundourakis did you see calamity? Because Holy moly, and that wasn't cut up like that.

[@last2nkow]

@@PlayYourRole yeah. I've had soke trouble recently with that. It's been a lot of compromise because of limited access to groups.

[@colinmorrison5119]

I picked up D&D later in life and have DMed before watching much Critical Role, which I'm glad about, I found my own style. Matt is an incredibly empathetic man, that interview made it abundantly clear. People with that amount of empathy are easy to love, but also easy to hurt. We could do with more public figures like him not just in nerdom but society.

[@jlokison]

Critical Role is as big as it is because of the 8 core members and how much they all care about each other, each others stories and how they interact. It's why they all love it when one character gets to delve deeper into a specific character background, why they don't mind stepping back while others step forward. It is also why so many enjoyed things so much more when Orion left.

[@emilysmith2965]

It’s worth mentioning that Orion had his own personal demons he was going through at the time. A really difficult health issue. And while that doesn’t excuse his behavior, it’s worth mentioning that we ARE all human beings and sometimes people are just not a fit - whether that’s from circumstances or it evolves to be a more permanent thing. Broken trust is hard to heal. The Critical Role team made hard but fair decisions for the situation. I don’t know how Orion is doing now - but I very much hope he’s doing well and has found other connections that are helping to keep him safe and healthy.

[@zombfish5498]

I've been at tables where the ST played like he hated everyone or was only focused on one character. Watching Matt and a few others including you gave me permission to leave that toxic space. It gave me permission to start my own table where I could nurture the people I love.

[@rmoenmjea]

I really wish that I can meet Matt one day... As much as I love him for the game and everything he does, he is just such a loveable person. Seeing him talk about his mental health struggles both makes me feel less alone and also makes me wanna give him a big hug. I have no experience with DnD so I can't really comment on that aspect but I mostly watch citical role for the friendship, the goofing around and the genuine care they all have for each other

[@chetranqui]

Yup. The voices, game knowledge, and lore-based story is cool and all, but it really is just a great group of friends that's enjoying the same entertainment together. It's just as much fun for me to listen to the description of an attack as it is to see who's reading their texts, nudging the friend next to them and sharing an inside joke. The comraderie is real there.

[@thedigodragon]

4:43 I too prefer a game where the DM and players care most about each other. I think an issue I see at many tables is that players try to copy CR to get that effect, but don't understand every group's chemistry doesn't come together the same way. You got to find what gets your own group to click together.

[@Desdemona-XI]

And they miss that player care focus, it happens so naturally that it doesnt always attract attention. So they try replicate the details, imitating dm style, stressing unnecessary production. And character voices. I had my first dnd game recently and despite it being a overall poor game the biggest issue i had was that there wasnt really anything to help us get a dynamic working as players, it was the first time two of us had played at all, and most of us had not played with eachother before, and we were just dropped into a heavily trapped dungeon, no session zero, no setting of expectations. We only played two sessions before scheduling issues had to cancel the whole thing. But really the part that bothered me the most, was just how little our pre game requests seemed to matter. I'm a roleplayer, and we werent even given a moment to introduce our characters at the beginning. Three of us were roleplayers but we had to pry an rp moment out of the dm due to timed traps and effects we never really got a chance to try click together

[@archersfriend5900]

@@Desdemona-XI it takes time to find the right group and dm. I am dm, I love roleplay, but out of 10 regular players in my groups, two players are interested in roleplay. Players need to drive roleplay, the DM can encourage it, but if the players are not interested it will not happen.

[@robbywings]

What captured me the most about CR was how Matt & the others meshed, what I fell in love with was not only Matt's incredible control of the story and characters, but how when he spoke everyone listened and they were so drawn up in story that they took notes and engaged with what Matt was presenting them. In a sense that's the Matt Mercer effect I fell in love with and wanted at my own table. It wasn't until later that I realized I didn't need to emulate Matt to get that, I just needed to listen to my players and make sure I tailored a game that I knew they'd enjoy and they'd they'd engage in and not just one that was scripted or one to satisfy my own whims. Sure every world I play or create has my own flavour, but the games and sessions I run have elements that include everyone. Session that try to engage with what people want from a game - and because not one player is alike those elements are very wide ranging - from mysterious roleplaying hook with many twists and turns, shopping for trinkets and shiny things and for some a monster-fill dungeon with a target rich environment. Love watching these types of breakdowns, it reinforces why I love D&D so much and get so much out of being a DM.

[@Picklescape]

The point about the players caring more about each other is SO important! I play in a lot of games and the best ones are those where the players respect and care for one another above game. It makes SUCH a difference.

[@Shywarlikegirl]

You said it perfectly. People don't want a DM like Matt, they want a person like Matt. While having a DM like Matt, the one to pull out the best of the best for terrain and have a story that goes so deep you could legit write a history book. Would be fun, if you can't vibe with the people. It wont ever be fun. I watch them play and I want to be able to connect like they do. Theres a scene in C1 where Laura and Liam are both crying and hugging and while a large part of me knows its the actor side of them, I FELT that pain in a way that a movie will never do. I hope this made sense. Also may or may not be binging as I just found this channel :D

[@crisisOstrich]

I dont consider myself a fan of Critical Role (havent been able to get into it) but even so I have a lot of respect for Matt and the rest of the cast, I think a lot of what you've said in this video is true, and i cant help but think a lot of the negativity Matt gets is coming from a place of envy

[@greycritter]

Thanks for this short vid. I can feel your emotion and passion. I believe the key to a successful session is 100%, are the players having fun? Reading the room and learning what really drives your players, and then using that in your campaign has completely de-railed many of my campaigns...and I am glad it happened. Usually not at first, but in hindsight. I am jealous of the awesome table, background, lighting and sound effects...mostly jealous of that family of wonderful nerds having such a great time and hoping my family of nerds can do the same.

[@SilvanOrion]

There are struggles and journies that we all go through. Some we share, and some are personal. I can't tell you enough how thankful I am that you shared even a small bit of your story with us. Your work is great, and I'm talking to everyone reading this. Thank you. Love, peace, and chicken grease.

[@PlayYourRole]

Thank you so much for the kind words. As someone who struggles with many of the things Matt has shared, I wanted people to know that our stories touch people, even if we don't see it

[@CJ-hh3gx]

You drew a very important distinction in this video and I appreciate that. The fun of the WHOLE is far more important than any 1. This is collaborative storytelling and it is very important to care about everyone at the table, even if you don't get along irl or you don't know each other super well. You have all agreed to respect each other IN THE SPACE and Matt understands that.

[@SomeOne-ex7hk]

This video was SO damn good! Hit all the spots. All the feels! You must be one hell of a DM

[@bruceparkinson3859]

It's cool to see how passionate you are on this topic, im really happy this showed up in my reccomended.

[@spaceman9599]

Loving this channel jay - it's important to have people able to build on the importance of heart in games and in life. Keep on doing the great stuff..

[@alphamontemayor396]

That was amazing. Your heartfelt words and your own personal experience and inspiration were a wonder to behold and gave their own inspiration right back. As an experienced and confident DM (now), I just recently had a situation where one of my players, without my awareness, was not having the best time, and started to be disengaged from the campaign. I realized in part that I had forgotten that core principle, put the enjoyment of the players and care about what they are looking to get out of the game experience above all other things. And this episode frames that so well. So thank you

[@patrickkail502]

You are such an empathic person dude. Please know that I really needed to hear this today. Thanks for posting this.

[@FrenchieSounds]

This was such a great, heartfelt take and it had me in tears /pos I'm studying up trying to get ready to be a DM and this was a great piece to consider as I do that. Thanks for sharing it!

[@fivethousanddragons921]

This, is a great video, and makes for a great pep talk too. Thank you.

[@Evaleastaristev]

Thank you for doing what you do. Your channel is one that I very much look forward to every week, and it's not just because of your content. You, sir, are also an inspiration.

[@PlayYourRole]

Thank you so much for the kind words! Don't cry too much though, hydration is important

[@michaelrobinson3543]

Matt is a fantastic DM. But the wonderful thing about DMing is that your way of running games can be completely different than his and if it's right for the players at your table, then you're a fantastic DM as well. DMing is really all about one thing: Making sure your players are having fun. All the rest... prepping, production value, rules knowledge and implementation, characterization of NPCs, the level of cross table talk and humor, tone-setting... serves as a foundation for fun.

[@chetranqui]

I'll be playing in my first ever D&D game later this summer... until now my only experience has been through watching Critical Role. I adore Matt... but seeing Aabria come through and DM the first round of EX:U was eyeopening. She DMs SO incredibly freeform by compare to Matt... it's like she's focused on bringing the player to life within the world when she DMs whereas Matt is focused primarily on bringing the world to life in front of the player. While my expectations are high for fun and RP and teamwork for the campaign to come, seeing different DMs has helped me recognize that each table is unique and each story will be told in its own way.. and it's on me to do my part so that my DM can do theirs... however they see fit. I haven't seen Brennan's EX:U debut yet, but I'm kinda excited to. 🙂

[@michaelrobinson3543]

@@chetranqui "it's like she's focused on bringing the player to life within the world when she DMs whereas Matt is focused primarily on bringing the world to life in front of the player." You nailed it here. Matt is wonderful. I'm not trying to take anything away from him and his players CLEARLY love his game. But I run my games more like Aabria and I've always seemed to have happy tables, too. There is no one "right" way to DM or roleplay. Have a blast in your game and welcome to the community!

[@steveoconnivo9666]

You are a fairly insightful individual and I am glad I stumbled on your videos! Keep up the good work and the good content and we will keep watching!

[@bigboxofstuff]

Thank you, you said what I want to say so much better then I could have, and in a medium so open. This was my first time seeing your videos and I will return. Thank you.

[@spacecowboyeddie6803]

Loved your video. You hit the nail on the head, and I can't believe more people don't realise this. The thing about Critical Role is that people don't just love the characters, the NPCs, the maps, and the way Matt DMs...it's also the bond and closeness between the group that resonates so much with some of us. They are all actors, so they're already like-minded in that sense, yes; they can all connect in that way, and it keeps them on the same creative wave-length. But the way they love and trust each other so completely, and the way they all invest in eachothers' characters and the world Matt creates is, what I believe, that a lot of people want at their tables. Matt is as good as his players' input and investment. To put it simply? They all CARE. They all show PASSION. They are all GOOD PEOPLE. They create amazing stories TOGETHER. And we love to see it. I firmly believe that CR would not be a popular as it is, if it weren't for all these things. I also like that they all make mistakes. Even if it can be frustrating at times, it's incredibly relatable and also endearing...cos we all make mistakes. They, and we, are all human. And yes, there are other incredible DMs and players out there, but we can't chose who or what we resonate/connect with. None of those others DnD groups make me feel as much as what watching CR makes me feel, and that's just how it is for me. I have never been the kind of person who likes things 'cos it's cool' or cos other people like it. I've always been true to me when it comes to what inspires me...and Critical Role inspires me. I love their games, AND I adore the people who bring those stories to life. Both go hand in hand. Also, apart from the examples you spoke about, let's not forget that when Liam lost his mother and was going through a tough time in his personal life, he clearly was working through that trauma to a certain extent with Vax at the table. Matt registered this, and thus presented Vax with a much deeper connection with the Raven Queen than Liam anticipated; making him a revenant after Vax died was part of it. Matt said he did this because he knew Liam was going through a hard time and he wanted to make Liam feel special. Like...HELLO??? How sweet is that??? Matt is such a good, caring person. He's also humble, and is constantly learning despite how much experience he's had DMing. He is not above learning to improve or learning from others. He knows how popular his game is (and I love that it still blows him mind to this day) but he always words things in a way that is never meant to put pressure on other people to copy him. He's just so open, generous, and kind. I've heard so many people say 'I like Matt, but I don't think he's the best DM ever'...well...what even is the 'best DM ever'? It doesn't exist. Just be yourself, and be the best DM you can be for *your* players.

[@Lngbrdninjamasta]

Wow, just wow man! I got me all in my feels. It was like hearing my own thoughts told back to me. I love the table I get to run for every week. And I have Matt to thank for it. I had stumbled upon his forcegrey eps long after I had walked away from table tops due to being stood up by those who had more important things to do. It was his force of wonder and fun he presented to his players; allowing them to create their own stories in the worlds he presented to them. He changed my life and reminded me why I began playing (and eventually dming) in the first place. I am also happy u r here with us. Ur vids r a treasure in my DM's tool chest.

[@kimberlybradish7667]

Just came across your video and wanted to thank you for sharing your thoughts. You’ve made a difference too.

[@PixelPanda82]

This video literally made me tear up a bit. Thank you

[@sakulintala1]

When this video popped up on my front page, I thought "cool, let me watch that" I didn't expect to be in tears myself by the end of the video. I never write comments on youtube-videos, and I really don't know what to say. But thank you for making this video, reminding me of the things Matt said in his interview, and reminding me why taking part in a DnD campaign can be a life changin experience. Thank you so much for making this video, and all the content you do ❤

[@DesnesCitrus]

this was so emotional

[@PlayYourRole]

Exactly! The 'Matthew Mercer' effect is truly what people saw in the whole group, at least from my point of view

[@talonblack8250]

My friends and I have been playing D and D since 1st edition. I watch Critical Role and love it. I thing Matt is a genius. But our games haven't chanced. We play the way we always have.

[@PlayYourRole]

Play what makes your table happy! If you can do that, your games will always be an incredible time!

[@Bluepuertorican5]

You made me cry today- this was beautiful. Thank you man

[@PlayYourRole]

Man I made myself cry both recording and editing this. I'm done crying now

[@Bluepuertorican5]

@@PlayYourRole ❤️

[@halbreadge]

wow. normally i don’t comment much on videos, but this one was way more touching than i expected it to be. i’m a new dm currently writing a campaign for some of my closest friends and this video reinforced a lot of the feelings i was having about it. thanks for making this, you helped at least one random stranger on the internet

[@diggitydawg6116]

I just wanted to pop in to tell you what terrific job you did in this video. I like a lot of what you do, but your heartfelt sincerity at the end of this one, prompted me to say keep up the great work! Masterful job on this one! I bet your players are truly grateful for the games you run 🙂

[@nicholascreekpaum5166]

I did not expect to tear up watching a DnD video. Well done.

[@TS-jh2jg]

Thank you for those words near the end. They were words I needed to hear, especially after some recent events that left me questioning myself. Not with playing D&D or being a DM (still trying to set up my first game), but questioning but my worthiness. Thank you.

[@matthewmorgan5108]

I am loving these videos but this one so far is my most favorite!

[@matthewmorgan5108]

you and matt are such genuine people. also dont make me cry.. im an empath.. i feel those tears that were coming...

[@strawberreez]

This was a beautiful video. Well done.

[@johnnyneal3548]

Matthew Mercer is the Van Gogh of his generation in D&D, a true artist in his field. Is he perfect? No. But is he a genius? Yes.

[@katiekat3916]

Dang, made me cry a few times in just a matter of 17 minutes. In the best way though. Thanks for the video. It has clarified quite a few things for me.

[@line6sg]

I got choked up along with you in this. I agree with all of your points. The most important point is learning that it is better to give than to receive. If everyone sought to do their best to add value to each other the world would be a much better place. Thank you very much for this.

[@DunWhale]

Great video, you put into words exactly how I feel about Matt inspiring me to become a dungeon master as well, and a lot of the topics in regards to finding joy and caring about the players at the table really hit home for me. I became a dungeon master to have a good time with my friends, and I got to say it's been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life and is something I always look forward to. Thank you Matt.

[@futurewarriorhero123]

Jay my man, you just earned another subscriber. i love dnd, but i have never played because i never found a group of people to play with, so dnd topic videos are the closet i have gotten to being involved. keep doing what your doing my friend, i look forward to more :)

[@SangoKisaragi5]

I don't know what got you but you are making me cry with every video lately. I don't know if Matt will see this video (REALLY hope he does) but if you do read this comment: thank YOU. Thank you so much for doing this analysis and the words you used and the feelings you poured all over. It was an emotional catharsis and it was beautiful. With some luck I'll start DMing for the very first time this month and not only Matt's but your words and wisdom will stick in the back of my brain so I make the most of this awesome experience.

[@annatarsoly941]

Great video! Thank you!

[@lyannastark628]

What a beautiful video. To be honest, I think it's a far more powerful compliment to hear how someone has impacted your life when you know they have realistic expectations of you (that he is not a god, that he is fallible). The compliment rings much more true when that has been established. I hope Matt does get to see this video. Also, you just earned another subscriber!

[@robertpena1890]

Very nice. A beautiful tribute.

[@DisasterAuntie]

I hit the thumbs-up early on in this, but when you shouted out to Aabria Iyengar and Brennan Lee Mulligan, I hit subscribe. I love that even in the midst of a VERY JUSTIFIED love song to Matt Mercer, you also offered respect to many of the other DMs you admire, and why you admire them. You didn't tunnel-vision, you didn't hang everything on Matt, you didn't deny any faults Matt has, didn't end with "And that is why he is the ultimate world's best Olympic gold medal DM of perfection." You kept it real the whole time. And because he's your inspiration for how to treat your players, I bet your players too are some of the luckiest, like Matt's are.

[@chaddecker4886]

I will keep this short, sweet, and simple. Thank you. I agree with everything you presented. This video is what made me subscribe. Your message is an inspiration to many people, including myself, to remember that we all matter. So, again, thank you.

[@petek2832]

iron sharpens iron. A great DM also needs great players to bring out the best in everyone. I love that they create deep back stories for thier characters that Matt can weave ino the campaigns. it really makes a difference and adds a whole other layer of unpredictability. Critical Role fires on all cylinders becuae of that. All the haters who are purists to some extent, need to stp back and grudgingly appreciate it for what it is. It s a dierse community and gate-keeping and purity tests don't help the community. Just enjoy it for what it is.

[@DMingThoughts]

/gives tea, cookies and soft cozy blanket/ Take this, bruh

[@PlayYourRole]

Thanks, I need it 😓🤣

[@shakinbak2]

Really really great video. We sometimes use these games, videos and moments for escapism. Critical Role and MM has been instrumental in providing material that is amusing and immersive. Thank you for voicing your passion and somewhat subjective view of MM and other great DMs. Keep creating beautiful worlds (like MM) and hold your head high!

[@dcouturier2]

I also really related to that interview. Making some good points as always.

[@NuclearWarGaming]

Dude... you just told everything that needed to be said. You also got emotional, almost tears running while telling your first experiences as Dm, and what you understood back then. Same for me. I'm blessed to have my players, they really are that piece of puzzle that my heart was missing. Being a Dm helps giving more meaning to my weeks, my life as a whole.

[@vampirelogan]

I whole heartedly agree with this assessment of Matt and the CR players. His love of the game AND even more, the players, is not something to deride or be jealous of. It is something to aspire to, even if you never get there! I am certainly in that camp as I try to run my own Actual Play campaigns on my stream and my tables are all very different. I love this game and other games but my players are who I do this for whether they are long time friends or new people I met on the internet. Thanks to Matt Mercer for inspiring me to be a better DM. None of us are perfect and that is ok as long as we keep trying to improve. Also, you said Ashley Burch but I think you meant Ashley Johnson, even though Ashley Burch was on the show for a few episodes ;) I was a bit confused until you mentioned Yasha!

[@TheDrexxus]

I like the voice acting and creature sound effects, but what really makes me enjoy Critical Role is all the humor. I don't like comedians and people that think they're funny getting up on stage to repeat some joke they've practiced for a laugh, it feels too manufactured and unfunny to me. But the spontaneity of improvisation and coming up with it on the spot, between friends especially, feels so much more genuine and it hearkens back to experiences like that in my own life where my friends and I would just be out together and someone says or does something stupid and everyone else can't stop laughing. It feels real, and it feels like friendship. There is no judgement, there is no mocking of other people (comedians are 99% ridiculing other people or their beliefs), theres just friends being friends, and that feeling is contagious and addictive.

[@rovena996]

the way he really paints a picture with just his words is my favorite thing. his words alone are enough to really inspire and create such rich environments and characters. everything else is a bonus. he's a natural storyteller at heart i think. he puts his heart and creativity into it. you can absolutely feel the love within every member of critical role. thats what i love about them so much. they care about each other in game and irl so fucking much and it shows.

[@harlequin5664]

also world building, matt's world building is phenomenal, it really showed during calamity how the combination of Brennan's DMing and Matt's Worldbuilding (+those phenomenal players) created something brilliant

[@sleepyspartan1367]

Honestly, the thing that I feel Matt does best I'd that he makes sure everyone has a narrative thread of some kind. Something that comes up that's extremely important to the character like vex & Vax with the chroma conclave or Percy with white stone, Bow with hear family & Knot with her's. They all have in some way something important to them in the narrative that lets them get attached to it as well as each other

[@AugmentedSmurf]

Even Yasha and Pike both had interesting personal connections to the stories, despite Ashley being absent for a lion's share of both campaigns 1 and 2. That's seriously good DMing on Matt's part.

[@deksta21]

great video man! i agree, so many people try to focus on the technical aspects rather than the human aspects. And its the humans that make the game good, so make them important.

[@HereBeDragonsYT]

I hope Matt sees this. Fantastic video.

[@PlayYourRole]

Whether he does or not, I just hope he knows his work is appreciated. I think he deserves that

[@caddyb1519]

Very new to DND but longtime fantasy RPG fan here. The algorithm brought me because I’ve been reading up on lore for BG3. I’ve heard of critical role but this video was very informative for my (hopefully) upcoming first game of DND. I think you did a good job of showing what is good player/DM behavior, and why we role play in the first place!

[@scrotymcboogerballs6756]

I agree completely, what an incredibly genuine video!

[@michaelmcnamara1839]

Fantastic study. We are so lucky to have such great DM's and players available to watch online.

[@ArkAsylum]

I appreciated this video. Im a player/Dm that has been in the game since early 2nd edition.... (not 1st ed +) and I actually think you hit the nail on the head... "a group that cares about the other players instead of their individual chars will be successful" - We had up until recently a group of players that had been gaming together consistently on every monday through the editions for 25 years. It is so important to find that mold of people that are more than chars but family.

[@tmitchellbarker]

You already had my tearing up, but then you had to tell me I'm amazing IMMEDIATELY after referencing Griffin. This was wonderful. Thank you so much. Matt, I love you so much too and I'm so grateful for you

[@EmethMatthew]

Great video!

[@emanuelesacchi8904]

Matt is a great person and an amazing DM - one of the best (IMHO) in the D&D community, along with Chris Perkins and a handful of other *extremely* talented individuals who spin wonderful tales for their players. I've been playing D&D for most of my life - I'm 52 years old, and I've been playing for 33 years now. I've been DM'ing for about 30 years, of which the last 15 or so as a full-time DM (gosh, sometimes I miss just being a *player* LOL). So I had my way of DMing, my quirks - my "style" if you prefer - way before Matt launched Critical Role, but I can't deny he had quite an influence on my games since I started watching Critical Role (and as an aside, I'm the only one among my friends, no one else watches Critical Role in my group). From a "people" point of view, Matt is an amazing guy - he's supportive, he's attentive, he truly cares about his fellow gamers - no, about his *friends* . I can't be a fair judge of myself, but I truly hope *my* friends (some of which I've known and have been playing D&D with for the past 13 years or so) can say the same about me. That alone would be a result worth any effort. From a "game" point of view,. I've always been known in my groups for crafting stuff, for creating elaborate handouts, props, ambient music, and since 3D printing became an affordable reality I've been using even more minis and terrain pieces and props... but Matt helped raise the bar even further. A studio like Critical Role's is every gamer's wet dream, but of course no one has the space - or the means - to have such a gig at home, and I am no exception, but a few touches here and there, a couple of Google-controlled LED lights, a flickering candle, the brilliant idea of using d4-filled glass jars for potions and a lot of other small things, and voila`, a more immersive atmosphere for everyone involved. Of course, my group doesn't play like Ashley, Marisha, Laura, Sam, Travis and the others, but that's perfectly OK. To be honest, I don't DM like Matt, it's just not my style, just as I don't write like H.P. Lovecraft or don't cook like a Masterchef winner, but that' fine. We're all different, we're all playing to have fun together with your friends, create a good story that (hopefully) survives the campaign it was born into, laugh together at silly jokes, eat too much pizza and snacks and drink a few beers while sitting around a table with some of the people you know best and like the most in the whole world. And that's just perfect. But even if Matt's influence has improved my friends' experience at my table only by as little as 1%, well, the man is already a winner in my book.

[@percussiveseer415]

thank you to the man who inspired Jay to inspire us and make us think through about our stuff

[@PlayYourRole]

That's quite the inspirational game of telephone. But for real, I could not thank him enough for what he's inspired within me

[@SuperGoose42]

I LOVE XP to level 3, so glad you used some clips from him Haven't finished the vid yet, but just gonna put my obligatory "love your vids, very well thought out, ur cool bro" etc etc

[@PlayYourRole]

😂Thank you goose, it's always great seeing you here!

[@SuperGoose42]

@@PlayYourRole 😊

[@JamieLycronisMcCutchen]

Fantastic video! You really nailed all the points about Matt, positive and negative! But in a logical and meaningful way! Kudos my friend! I just subscribed for this video alone! 👏

[@juanjfm]

Thank you so much for that! 👏

[@PlayYourRole]

It was my genuine pleasure

[@authorkellylclark]

My parties have been blessed with the fact that we’re friends first- then we also happen to play D&D together.

[@branharak1331]

Awesome video man

[@MasumiSeike]

"If youwant a game like Matt Mercer is running be prepared to be the players that tell the stories with him." that was a quote someone told me on twitter when I asked what was about the Critical Role effect, as I like to call it rather than the MM effect.

[@MrToastOmnomnom]

This shouldn't have made me tear up as much as it did but God damn it. You made me realize why I love dming too lol

[@JohnFleshman]

Im a Critter and I watch for the STORY. I love the NPCs Matt Creates and the World he wrapped them in and I love the way the characters interact with each other and the wide world they reside in. I would never expect that out of a home game.