Critical Role, long hinting at their aspirations to create a video game, has now officially partnered with AdHoc, the developer behind the upcoming action-RPG, Dispatch. This collaboration finally brings their collective vision to fruition.
According to reports, the new game will immerse players in Exandria, the unique fantasy world meticulously crafted for Critical Role`s acclaimed campaigns. Travis Willingham of Critical Role confirmed that familiar characters from beloved campaigns like Vox Machina, Mighty Nein, and Bells Hells might make an appearance, though the storyline itself promises to be entirely original.
Willingham, whose involvement in Dispatch was instrumental in forging this co-development, emphasized Critical Role`s desire to adopt Dispatch`s template, allowing player choices to significantly shape the evolving narrative.
“We`re actively brainstorming ideas, considering the project`s scope and budget, and identifying the essential elements,” Willingham stated, underscoring the team`s commitment to including fan-favorite characters.
The actor further clarified that Critical Role does not envision this new endeavor as a typical AAA blockbuster. Instead, they aim for a more contained project, striving for a faster development timeline compared to the standard five-year cycle often associated with larger-scale games.
This venture into game development follows other strategic expansions by Critical Role: earlier this year, their publishing arm, Darrington Press, recruited two designers from Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition for new fantasy projects, and a recent crossover with Assassin`s Creed Shadows was also announced, signaling a broad and ambitious expansion of their creative universe.