The Critical Role crew recently captivated audiences at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, marking a significant moment in their global tour that has been redefining the landscape of nerd culture. As fans filled the arena, the excitement was palpable, a testament to the crew’s immense popularity.
My journey to experience the Critical Role phenomenon began in Sydney, where I found myself in a lengthy merchandise line six hours before the show. Despite my years covering Critical Role, I underestimated the fervor surrounding this group of eight. The line snaked around the ICC Theater, a venue capable of seating 9,000, as fans eagerly awaited the chance to purchase exclusive tour merchandise.
The Rise of Critical Role
Critical Role, a powerhouse in the nerdworld business, has consistently sold out stadium shows across the globe. Fans pay hundreds of dollars to watch them play “Dungeons & Dragons” and their new game, “Daggerheart,” often for sessions lasting nearly five hours. Since their 2023 show at London’s Wembley Arena, the group’s touring schedule has only intensified, culminating in a multi-city 2025 tour set to conclude at New York’s Radio City Music Hall.
The crew, now in their tenth year, has expanded their business into animation, gaming, and book publishing. This diversification underscores their influence and the growing demand for their content.
K-Pop Concert-Style Excitement
The atmosphere at a Critical Role show is akin to a K-pop concert. Fans, some in elaborate cosplay, traveled from Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and New Zealand, with one South Korean fan estimating they spent $6,000 to attend. Another fan from Los Angeles spent nearly $10,000 to follow the tour across multiple stops.
Events like “Realms Unleashed,” organized by Fortress, a gaming bar and entertainment venue, further highlight the community’s enthusiasm. Over 18,000 people attended these events in Sydney and Melbourne, showcasing the widespread appeal of Critical Role.
Behind the Scenes of a Touring Juggernaut
Backstage at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, I spoke with three of Critical Role’s cofounders. Matthew Mercer, the team’s chief creative officer and game master, described the experience of performing live as “terrifying,” given the transition from recording in a studio to facing thousands of fans.
“I go in with the perpetual cloud of, ‘I hope everyone likes this, because they paid to be here,'” Mercer shared.
Their 2026 tour plans include stops in Atlanta and Texas, with a major event at London’s O2 Arena, rivaling Madison Square Garden in size. This expansion reflects the crew’s growing ambitions and their ability to draw large audiences.
Expanding the Critical Role Empire
Beyond touring, Critical Role is expanding its business ventures. The company recently hired Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford, prominent figures in game design, to work for Darrington Press, their publishing arm. This move signals their commitment to developing new gaming products and enhancing existing ones like “Daggerheart.”
On the animation front, their Amazon-backed series “The Mighty Nein” is set to debut soon, with further announcements expected at the San Diego Comic-Con. Additionally, Critical Role is collaborating with AdHoc Studio to create a video game set in Mercer’s world of Exandria.
Despite these ventures, the team remains dedicated to their streaming roots. Marisha Ray, the creative director, emphasized the importance of their platform, Beacon, which allows them to experiment with new content.
“Honestly, the only thing that’s limiting us right now is our Google calendars,” Ray noted.
The Accidental Empire
Reflecting on their success, the cofounders of Critical Role acknowledge that their empire was not built intentionally. Sitting backstage, I asked Mercer and Willingham if they felt like they were in the empire business.
“I don’t think we intended to build an empire, but I would be remiss if we don’t occasionally stop, take a breath, look behind us, and go, ‘Oh, shit. I think we accidentally built an empire,'” Mercer admitted.
Willingham added, “We have made this tiny home game into a multi-headed production company. And that’s a wonderful thing. But it also keeps us up at night.”
As Critical Role continues to grow, their influence in the world of nerd culture remains unparalleled. With ambitious plans and a dedicated fanbase, their journey is far from over, promising more excitement and innovation in the years to come.
