What makes Critical Role so Good!? - How the Pro's turn RPG's into compelling tabletop entertainment

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With the pandemic making home games more difficult, a lot of people have turned to getting their tabletop roleplaying fix by watching other people play. Some of these shows have gotten so big that they've actually introduced new people into the hobby, instead of the other way around. Critical Role, Rivals of Waterdeep, and The Adventure Zone come to mind. Heck, even we've given it a go for a charity stream! But what are the differences between playing rpgs at home, and producing them for an audience?
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#ExtraCredits #GameDesign #CriticalRole

[@boomamathics2666]

Jester in extra credits style is not something I thought I needed in my life and yet here we are

[@Sinistar123]

Who is Jester?

[@maskedelephant5785]

@@Sinistar123 4:41

[@Sinistar123]

@@maskedelephant5785 Thanks, I assume she's a character from one of the RPG shows?

[@tonysladky8925]

@@Sinistar123 Yeah, she's one of the Clerics in the current campaign of Critical Role, played by Laura Bailey, and she brings a lot of chaotic energy to the campaign with her and her deity's obsession with pranks and graffiti.

[@JayFLopez]

Last year was actually when I discovered RPGs so using roll20 is how I made friends during the pandemic

[@wafikojulio9028]

Yeah there was a data breach i think

[@retts75]

I actually had to pick up roll20 when I moved back to NZ and found no one played d&d, but helped during lock downs AMAZINGLY

[@raynitaylor1912]

I'd like to play in person but I find Roll20 is a could substitute. Made quit a few friends that are just a few hours away.

[@l.l1969]

*cries in timezones*

[@juanmanuelriverajurado5835]

"Trolls & Touchdowns" For a moment I thought this was about Blood Bowl

[@TheSpeep]

Yeah how isnt it?

[@reecedignan8365]

Because I’m guessing these guys have never heard of it

[@Gearhand]

Ahh.. Blood Bowl.. the game that allows you to bribe the reff so you can KRUMP THAT UN PESKY KNOIFE EARED GID.. FO GUD.. BY GORG

[@Charon85Onozuka]

Same. I actually loved watching a Blood Bowl tournament some time back - especially with everyone seeming hellbent on trying to kill off one team's star player who just wouldn't die and kept scoring.

[@brutalusgaming8809]

same

[@l0stndamned]

Using Jester to represent a character the fans love paying attention too, well played. Interesting video.

[@xiahoupaul19]

I do have to take away some points for they did not give enough flowy Matt hair, it was too static.

[@jasonreed7522]

Nott would also have worked, because sam is a master at roleplay (fluffernutter). Also his ads are possibly lethal (that cocktail was not safe for human consumption). However, jester probably is the most visually distinct member of the chaos crew.

[@pyoheliobros5773]

In Germany we have RBTVs Pen&Paper Shows and they're really awesome and popular. And it also has one additional thing to this whole thing of important stuff: Audience participation. In these shows the audience can also help create the lore and the story and can participate live in live streams via polls and such.

[@scrappydrake4683]

I think it's just as important to remember the reverse: the style of game that's entertaining to watch isn't always the style that's entertaining to play. While they both player and audience focused games need to deliver an engaging story, player-focused games need to focus on player choice, giving the players decisions that are challenging and interesting to make, and control over how the story plays out. Lots of newbie GMs try to come up with the perfect story in their heads, treat their players as actors playing it out, and neglect the gameplay.

[@Tuss36]

Not to mention sometimes expect the same level of performance as they see on such shows as those mentioned in this video.

[@portaljumper2012]

As a D&D enthusiast/fan, I *LOVE* this video!!! And how Critical Role has been drawn as Extra Credits style was just AMAZING!!!

[@xiahoupaul19]

Not enough flowy Matt hair, if you ask me.

[@caterinafrisoni7815]

Hey Extra Credit and people in the comment Here in Italy we started a project similar to Critical Role, a fifth E adventure called Luxastra, we are in the third season and we are having a lot of success on KZbin Italy. We're even adding English subtitles to the first few seasons so if anyone is interested or intrigued come and see! We would like to have more foreign spectators.

[@caterinafrisoni7815]

@What is my life Is called InnTale

[@Voice_of_p]

Hold my beer, im on my way!

[@JMcMillen]

The big problem is the inevitable 'Matt Mercer' affect where people who are fans of these shows but never played, try playing and expect their experience to mirror what they are used to watching. They fail to realize that what they watch was 'played up' for the audience and the vast majority of people don't go all in like that when just playing among friends and family.

[@ReikaSensei]

Matt also I believe spoke about this on Reddit that he feels bad for that because he wants people to just enjoy their own games, but he's also just like that as a DM and not necessarily 100% playing up. There's practical factors for sure, actors are silly people to begin with so they have a skillset that also allows them to play up just because they want to and a large chunk of campaign 1 was a home game that apparently was interesting enough that they were asked to stream it. Like if you could do something, it's not like you don't use that skill at all just because a camera isn't on you, and if they weren't already an interesting table no one would request to put them on camera. CritRole is one of the first but an exceptional enigma because of how it came to be, so in a world with so many campaigns streaming some of the generalizations here are not necessarily as true as it might be for other campaigns. Other productions I've seen are really produced and thought about carefully. Early episodes of Dimension 20 had special effects and foley because everything was pre-shot and edited, so I think mileage actually varies with how much people are playing up. Brennan also does talks about how there's also just different tables and some are more mechanics heavy and some want more story and he and guests have talked about some examples of non-streamed games where people do more or less RPing because they have their Q&A series where they discuss in-game issues and just finding a group that fits how you want to play and like talking with your group about your expectations.

[@crazytim8256]

People don't get that a show like Critical Role is there to effectively sell the experience of D&D 5e, but what happens in an episode of CR is nothing like what you actually get out of sitting down to play the game for yourself. I find that to be quite disconcerting.

[@malavyi549]

Of course this is an unintended negative effect of those incredibly well put together shows. It can be curbed slightly when a group of players or DM manage the expectations of new players who have consumed that content. A home game will certainly fall short of those expectations, but if the player can stick through that, they are likely to find more realistic standards for their home games, and really enjoy them. And let's not forget the intended, and unintended, benefits of these high production games. The game has seen an incredible increase in popularity and players in the past ten or so years, heavily due to the existence of these shows. They've also provided quality examples of a few ways to play the game, and inspired DMs and players alike to strive to be a bit better in their game. I know I have been. Sometimes we must take the bad with the good. But I think in this case, the good outweighs the bad a hundred fold.

[@Phhase]

Less that it's unrealistic per se, more like people often miss the effort and skill that goes into the creation of such experiences. Something something overnight successes are years in the making.

[@thrar]

I think this is a general media literacy problem. Reality TV isn't like real life either, porn isn't like real sex, and so on. The underlying problem is imo that it can be hard for someone without a background in the subject to notice the distinction, producers intentionally play it down to be more relatable, and media literacy education hasn't caught up yet.

[@AutumnReel4444]

A major downside of all this can be critically damaged expectations of what a roleplay session in real life entails. Many a group killed by this trend.

[@jasonreed7522]

While that is true, i wouldn't hold that against these types of shows. To keep the sports analogy, nobody complains that the super bowl ruins backyard flag football because of unrealistic expectations. Basically people should try to be better about having reasonable expectations. But not everyone is mature enough to do that, or even to just not cheat. (Fastest way to ruin a game is to cheat, a little room for DMs to fudge in favor of fun in secret)

[@nanderv]

@@jasonreed7522 GM's are allowed to do anything, so cheating doesn't really exist for them. But I think the main issue is with the expectation on GM's, both creating an ambience where people don't dare to start GM-ing, and one where people expect way too much of their own game masters.

[@natanoj16]

But I also believe that as many if nore more groups have been created because of this

[@natanoj16]

@@nanderv i partially disagree. A dm can do anything technically but like everyone at the table they have a responsibility to the rest. Ans the GM more so that the players. Clear communications is key for a good game and consistency as well.

[@TheFjne]

​@@natanoj16 the problem comes more that you have several people expecting that the campaign will go similar than in those shows, giving a GM a hard time.

[@firenter]

When I saw the title, I was like "Wait an episode on Bloodbowl? Is WotC sponsoring or something?" But this is even better!

[@lucaswatson1913]

Bloodbowl is Games workshop, and wish they'd do a video an its revival!

[@LordofSyn]

I have played, run, and created Tabletop RPGs since the 80s. Glad to see something on the subject as these additional shows give insight for outsiders to players of all ilks and gleans that DnD is not the only game in town and that there is a flavour for everyone.

[@aidanjackson5084]

Loved how the intro made a reference nod to "The Adventure Zone" with the classic Merle Highchurch "Zone of Truth!" From Clint McElroy

[@tehbeard]

2:33 youtube compression algorithm strikes again!

[@lavaknight3682]

Did anyone else’s screen glitch out at 2:33 or is my phone just broken?

[@mirandamier7133]

Everyone who can should ABSOLUTELY watch Dimension 20. Easily one of my favorite RPG shows.

[@bangboom123]

Gotta recommend Fun City, an AP podcast interested in sci-fi games, but which is run by Mike Rugnetta and does some very interesting experiments in this space. Most strikingly, they have a co-GM whose job it is is to inhabit all the enemy NPCs that exist in the world, while Mike handles the bureaucracy of the rules, world-building, and friendly NPCs. It really helps to make things clear and gives both GMs more breathing room to think about their job.

[@MrDraconder]

This is very fascinating and while I love these rpg shows inspiring the next generation of role-players and dice rollers it has left a shadow over the medium of table top RPG. A phrase has been coined called "the Mercer effect" where players who have been introduced by these various shows, unaware of the different way these shows handle planning, improvisation and player proactivity, come to the game with unrealistic expectations as they find out their friends are not professional actors or brilliant writers. Thing is, there is no right or wrong way to play RPG and there is an interesting debate on whether these shows are a benefit or a detriment. I believe they are a benefit, I love seeing new players finding a game they love and those shows can be incredibly entertaining. I would love to see a follow up to this video talking about the expectations this can lead new players into a scene.

[@MiseFreisin]

I wonder how it compares to sports. In that, I feel like most people don't watch professional athletes and think "Yeah, I bet I could do that, it's easy!", but I'm sure there are many people who get frustrated and quit sports because they can't seem to make progress and do the things their idols can do (quick enough). It seems like either way, the onus is on the new players to set realistic expectations for themselves and to put in the work if they want results. If someone comes in with expectations that are way too high and acts like an entitled jerk because of it, chances are good that they weren't going to be a very good teammate in the first place. No matter whether their expectations came from watching professionals or just inflated self-importance!

[@emmanuelporte4201]

I started listening to Break the Dice podcast half a year to ago. It's from an improv group based in Minnesota and LA. It's great because the DM rolls for the players and it keeps the piece fast and hilarious an the player react to the rolls. It strips the technical aspect out a bit so the players on the show focus on entertainment, but it relies on DnD logic to work. Getting 1 can be super hilarious and a 20 can also be super hilarious and epic. BTD!

[@Ben-ch8cl]

the adventure zone and merle reference is amazing tho

[@juanpabloperezgomez4349]

Zone of truth!

[@StolenFortunes]

Alright an adventure zone reference!

[@TheStrangerintheAlps]

Biggest suggestion to people wanting to do actual play stuff: Learn how Professional Wrestling works.

[@UnreasonableOpinions]

Another approach to make games a watchable piece of entertainment that some friends of mine have taken to us to play the game as usual, and physically perform the interesting scenes using the table dialogue as a script. It lets you use much more classic television style entertainment and rely on the performed scenes being effective, but it is also the maximalist approach, effectively requiring all the effort of an indie TV series and a live game at the same time. The only reason it was even possible is that the group includes a director/sound tech, a camera operator/editor, and four actors who are also just shy of professional cosplay levels. In costs them a fair amount to do even when they had tens of thousands of dollars of costumes and equipment sitting at home already, and it would be unworkably expensive if they weren’t doing it for free and fun. I can’t imagine someone managing to replicate the formula without a low-end production TV budget at minimum.

[@tessfairfield6435]

This makes me think of Pyre as it combines high fantasy RPG with sports

[@Shadowreaper5]

Thanks for making this episode. Having just started recording and uploading our own home campaign, it is nice to have some pointers on how to improve

[@bunuie]

Yay- I've been Watching all your videos and I love your channel and learn things i dont at school :)

[@storyspren]

Finally someone brings up that sports analogue! I've personally never been much of a fan of sports, but watching CR has some moments that definitely brought me closer to understanding how sports fans feel when a player in "their team" does something awesome (ahem Kevdak ahem Vecna). But it was the climax of the Search for Grog that really made me understand it because the of how the live audience went absolutely nuts in that one moment. I watched it at home later, so seeing the crowd in the video kinda showed that connection to me in a way I hadn't noticed before. Then with that hindsight some of the other examples rose out as such too.

[@jakebit9467]

I think the idea of "player proactivity" is perhaps the most important thing the many RPG shows has brought to RPGing. As a long-time DM, I was used to the idea that a game rises and falls on the DM alone, but now, there's this greater understanding that a DM only provides the outer limit of how good and engaging the game can be, and the players do the rest by "filling out" that creative space by engaging with the plot, NPCs and each other, through colorful descriptions and so much more. Of the three points this video puts up, I think player proactivity is the most interesting and most developing notion for this hobby in general!

[@triccele]

I'm kinda sad you guys didn't mention Dimension 20. Not only is a great show, but also examplifies all the points you mention here. The work they did with battles is specially amazing

[@glitchedgod]

I can't agree more!

[@theredrighthandproductions]

Tablestory is my favorite actualplay podcast group. Zero Blue Orion and Leech in particular are super great.

[@Telleryn]

Totally, their production value and RP are amazing!

[@Sakanero]

My friend has been hosting a dnd livestream for the past couple weeks. It’s been quite fun performing for others as a player.

[@estevanphillips6889]

Highly recommend Fun City for best-produced “actual play”/narrative play podcast. GMed by Mike Rugnetta (of Idea Channel) and Taylor Moore (producer of Rude Tales of Magic), using modified Shadowrun rules and setting, just an absolute banger.

[@doifhg]

absence makes the heart grow fonder

[@herman1francis]

I've been running a Pugmire campaign for a year now. Because of your previous video with edd webb. Great game

[@25usd94]

2:03 arin Hanson and Mortimer moment

[@tommyrivera3432]

day 1 of asking for the Spanish invasion of the aztec Empire

[@godstop3688]

Yes yes YES!

[@sourcream2648]

day 365 of asking for the Spanish invasion of the aztec Empire

[@henriquebandeiradiaz1755]

I shall watch your career with great interest

[@Hayden82368]

VERY POG

[@MiseFreisin]

the Spanish don't do invasions anymore and the Aztec Empire has long since fallen but OK, I guess, whatever your heart truly desires...

[@JohnyK07]

Yes!! I've been watching College Humor's Dimension20 show, and its the most I have ever been entertained for several hours in a row just watching people narrate a story around a table! OMG, the characters and world building was so well made! Brennan is a terrific DM!

[@Gauldame]

05:35 And sending threats and harassment when your head canon is disproven. Not everything is sunshine and rainbows.

[@pietro3477]

Pls a vídeo on Tamerlane!

[@NajwaLaylah]

I'm watching this in memory of Old Man Henderson.

[@Gabriel-qh4yx]

3:42 Heckin snake on the right

[@steamtasticvagabond474]

For those in need of a hilarious Call of Cthulhu podcast set in the Wild West, look no further than Ain’t Slayed Nobody’s “Y’all of Cthulhu”

[@daddypenguin3391]

Give the Glass Cannon podcast a shot, great banter between the lads

[@TakioMx]

Definitely an interesting topic. Been watching the show Thrilling intent and the streams of SurpriseRoundRPG for years now, but breaking down the important aspects of what makes these TTRPG shows really work is definitely something I haven't thought about before. Good Episode

[@Frozenpagan]

I know Mat Mercer and the Critical Role team is the big name in this genre, but I love Acq Inc and the C team.

[@tonysladky8925]

Ah, I see you are a man of culture as well. #bettershow

[@Inogat]

Your nerdy bestfriends, Extra Credits to guide you!

[@codycarney2311]

If you need a new campaign check out TFS at the Table, it's about 2 years old but it's still so good, I find myself going back to an episode every so often checking out the highlight episodes. It's a total about 110 episodes, there might be a few one-shots mixed in. The people around the table will make that fact known immediately, so if you want to focus the main story you can just go to the next numbered title. Each episode is roughly 2 hrs maybe a little bit longer for the chapter finally, but it is easy manageable. Edit: look up "Best of TFS at the Table moments" to see if you would like the series !!!!!!!! BE PREPARED FOR SPOILERS IF YOU GO THIS ROUTE!!!!!!!!!

[@juliancoenen4917]

before I watch it here my view: 1. Creativity, looking how people react and what they'll come up with 2. Storytelling, as cavemen before us we do now too 3. Adventure, hidden truths lie ahead, let's find them (the drive for the unknown) 4. Friendships, learning hidden details about ya friend OK, i thought the video wass going to be about whysome people like playing RPG's not watching other people play RPG's

[@joelmonteiro1419]

I was really surprised to discover this was a thing and the production values behind some of the RPGs being played, particularly Vampire: The Masquerade LA by Night (and the other X by Night series).

[@joaoguilhermeassim]

I saw that "The adventure zone" reference now my day is 200% happier.

[@FreakishSmilePA]

3:40 gotta appreciate the one person in Pennsylvania lol

[@negate3]

I feel so alone...

[@thegreyman1575]

If you have Discord, download the Avrae dice bot, and utilize the Monsters of the Week playbooks, made by EvilHat Productions. You don’t need a map, all you need is the base playbook, a cellphone (or a laptop, both work the same for discord) as well as three or four players (the golden ratio for a Secret Keeper.) I hope this all finds you well. These games are what hep me find solace from the daily grind. But from pain, comes magic. Love to you all, and please stay safe

[@AaronArnoldaquapod]

TITANSGRAVE and the Tabletop episode of Dragon Age on geek and sundry are examples of this. It's been done.

[@kaynerandolph432]

You didn't say my favorite "insert random D&D stream"!!! I'm so mad!

[@acetrigger1337]

Divinity: Original Sin 2 has a "RPG" mode. it takes some get-to know... but it is so much fun.

[@8umber]

I am a major fan of the Unexpectables and feel ecstatic everytime they roll at a nat twenty and feel dread when the roll nat ones XD

[@repairednale]

Not enough people are talking about a CLINT FUCKING MCELROY BEAN PERSON! My heart

[@pixelnpc8480]

Eddie out here with the Raycon sponsorship I see.

[@narvuntien]

Not to make you jealous or anything but I am playing a tabletop RPG with friends tonight... in person. We wiped out COVID 10 months ago over here.

[@ArthurBCamara]

If you speak Portuguese, I don’t think I need to tell you about Nerdcast and their RPG series. They literally raised millions on a crowdfunding for books and merch based on their Call of Cthulhu series.

[@TheCreepypro]

this sounds amazing and and I need to watch one of these just to see how good it is

[@Daemonworks]

I've actually enjoyed watching/listening to real actual plays more than ones made as entertainment... but I'm more into seeing how different folks play games, seeing how various RPGs are played, how folks run games, etc.

[@tonysladky8925]

I feel like by not bringing up Acquisitions Inc. (specifically their spin-off, The "C" Team) you missed out on a potentially big facet in RPGs as cinematic entertainment: Audience participation. You may love it or hate it in AI's implementation, and that's fine, but it's a tool that, like any other, should be in a creator's toolbox even if they don't want to use it. Basically, the show had (fingers crossed I can someday edit that to the present tense, even if it's just in them doing more one-shots with different RPGs' versions of their characters) two forms of audience participation: 1. Each episode would contain a poll about something that was going to happen in the episode. Usually it was something minor, like which beloved NPC would show up to give the next quest or what gag name to give a business the PCs were headed to. Occasionally, it would be used for something bigger. Anyone watching live could vote in Twitch chat, or they would post the poll a day or two before the stream to the Acq. Inc. website for fans to vote on if they weren't planning to watch live. 2. Also, each character had an "Ult" that could be accessed based on the number of Twitch bits viewers donated to Child's Play on that character's behalf. Each character (and in later seasons, the DM) would accrue charges which could be used to gain advantage on a roll (or impose disadvantage on an enemy's roll), or they could save up to get their big unique power. This element underwent a lot of… I hesitate to say "balancing" in a wacky D&D show, but there were a lot of adjustments over the show's run. It also got some hate because the players would give prizes to their character's biggest donors during each episode's after-show, which got a little out-of-hand and, to some viewers, felt kinda skeevy. I never had a problem with it because I felt the Ults all opened up good Rule Of Cool moments (and running jokes) and because the money was all going to a good cause (and I didn't donate bits, so I could see where being a donor might have had an impact on my appreciation of the system), but I could totally see where a similar system could be abused. Still, I think there's a case to be made that audience participation elements are an interesting twist when making your home game into an Actual Play. It's certainly fraught with peril from cheapening the game to literally ripping off your audience, but done well, it can lead to some fantastic moments.

[@Dauntless2000]

Can I point out my favorite D&D podcast, Hero Club. They decided to show to be done like a old-time radio show. You don’t here stats or math, but you get the dic rolls and the totals. Plus they do more then just Medieval stuff, they have done sci-fi, detective noir, and a pirate adventure for example.

[@MylaMinoki]

Eddys Back! I love all of his episodes, welcome back friend.

[@soaringsquid0.129]

Alternate Title: "How Can Games Advertise Themselves Through Entertainment?"

[@Celebratory_Diaper]

At 2:33 the colors in the background got lost a bit, I think... Otherwise, great video!! :D

[@petersmythe6462]

"So I did a little mining off camera."

[@matheusulissesxenofonte4832]

I love this episodes about TRPG! Make one about how design a system that help streamers.

[@baconbitzlol]

Ngl I half expected this video to be about Bloodbowl

[@gamefan1019]

In “Just Roll With It”, one of the players constantly got bad rolls, so he made it into an arc where his character felt like he wasn’t contributing enough to the team and went through a training arc.

[@TheSpeep]

Trolls & Touchdowns... you mean Bloodbowl?

[@DragonFae16]

My favourite group is the Unexpectables.

[@kelvinsantiago7061]

I am interested in playing tabletop RPG but I've never played a tabletop RPG in my life any tips or advice?.

[@viniciusairesstaub2995]

If you use facebook, you'll probably find tabletop RPG groups of your country. I assume people will be eager to teach people how to play. You can then join an online RPG campaign with some new friends. I think that's the way to do it nowadays.

[@highfatcheese7668]

“NEW DOES NOT MEAN BETTER!”

[@adenmelton8264]

Y’all should do series about Puyi

[@tzisorey]

And then there's the animated recaps. Either unofficial, like the fan animations for Critical Role, or the videos posted by people like Dingo Doodles, or Puffin Forest

[@AzureIV]

Most successful broadcasted RP games go heavy on the homebrew and story, and go very light on the mechanics if at all. Even Critical Roll barely plays D&D as it is written in the books.

[@riverpacem2568]

Right when I start getting the RPG nostalgia again EC releases this video. Please stop reading my mind

[@wearethebomb42]

I never knew how much I wanted to see Clint McElroy drawn in your art style, but man I'm glad I'm seeing it now!

[@thomasrockhoff]

Extra Literature would be the thing finally make me get Nebula

[@humorlessink2658]

3:15 Flashbacks to Crown of Candy with just a single bad choice shifted the game dramatically

[@triccele]

Haven't you watched the decision of Fabian on Leviathan during Fantasy Hig: Sophomore year? If we speak of bad choises, nothing top that.

[@humorlessink2658]

@@triccele not yet since I haven’t got dropout but i’ve been meaning to

[@AubriGryphon]

7:27 "Flight, try SCE to AUX."

[@eli36397]

Also really enjoyed the casual lesbian representation on the couch at a couple points

[@inquisitordave2751]

Did anyone else notice that Maryland Became the Heck Snek?

[@Mell042]

ZONE OF TRUTH!

[@Querenciatv]

Incredible Work ✌️

[@poilboiler]

"I activate awe." Does wonders to captivate the audience.

[@obsidianmoon13]

And then there's Authors & Dragons.

[@imperialgaming3689]

Can you do another Baldur's Gate break down?

[@shirosenshiesq]

The biggest issue that needs to be solved is learning to pace episodes into shorter, more digestible pieces. One reason I don't watch any of these D&D/TTG shows is that sitting down for an hour or two every week or so isn't feasible. It might be fine for the average jobless nerd with 16 hours a day to spare, but not for those of us with jobs, families, and lives to live. If an episode is 2 hours, and I only have 20 minutes or so to spare per day for something like this, it's six days to watch. I need to remember where I was up to, what was happening, pause mid conversation which causes confusion, keep tabs open. Creators need to learn to write in pacing breaks so they can keep the episodes closer to 20-40 minutes in short episodic bursts, pacing the session across multiple weeks. That way, they get more longevity, people watch longer overall, get more invested. Basically, write and film campaigns more like episodic TV, not 2 hour movies.

[@jhazor]

the very nature of D&D though makes that not really possible it's not a medium that's particularly suited to those short bursts because it's so dependant on player action and luck of the dice. only heavily scripted stuff would be able to be fitted into those bursts and then that takes away from the magic that is TTRPGS. Inherently though I disagree with the notion that you need to be a jobless nerd to be able to watch them. It's just priorities, you likely have other leisure activities you prefer not to give up in favour of these and thats fine.

[@shirosenshiesq]

@@jhazor If you can't put in a pacing break then you need to work on how you write and edit something. You can easily swing 5-10 minutes one way or another, but editing to a short pace is easy enough for anyone with a small amount of editing skill. Also, who has 3-4 hours per week to burn on watching people play D&D campaigns if they're not unemployed or minimally employed?

[@chi7891]

Dice Friends by LoadingReadyRun is the best!

[@Missiletainn]

The best TTRPG shows are done by Stabbyness and SurpriseroundRPG on twitch.

[@dracone4370]

Sometimes watching enough, you feel the need to actually be in a real game. Some of the RPG KZbinrs came together to put together a channel called Save or Dice that has several of them playing games from their consoles over the internet and the service they use for that play is Fantasy Grounds. Me personally, I get involved with the text-based service Role Gate (www.rolegate.com/ ) when I have that itch to play, or just read through some active/passed campaigns that sound interesting, and occasionally will try putting together a game myself. Granted, doing games on RG means you're more likely to get some random that are interested in your game's mission statement, but you can arrange for players to not join by switching the game to a setting where the players will require a password to get in so that you can make sure that your game has the kind of people you feel are right for the game or just your friends because you shot them a link to the game and the code to get in.

[@childofathena9420]

Take a look at my favourite DnD dungeon master Arcadum

[@warlorddthorn4173]

did anyone else see the snake on the map

[@Harminder1]

For me the show I listen to is Dice Funk.

[@F2PAlius]

The Living World of Verum is so goooood. Best. Streamed. Dnd. Campaigns. Ever.

[@Bri-tt1pj]

I haven't watched any of these suggestions but viva la dirt league have a great d&d channel!

[@Mito383]

The title of this made me think of Blood Bowl.