The weekly Dungeons and Dragons Livestream, Critical Role, has been on a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Filmed in the greater Los Angeles area, it is no surprise they have had to go dark for awhile. They have managed some ways to keep content up for their fans. Supplemental shows like Narrative Telephone, All Work No Play Unplugged, and a version of the Yeehaw Game Ranch have kept fans entertained. But an exciting announcement from Marisha Ray revealed they will be playing their campaign once again. But with some alterations.
Their set has changed to be safer during this pandemic. The players, once all sitting at the same table, will now be separated by a minimum of six feet. There will be less crew at the studio, as well. Perhaps the largest deviation from their normal routine is that this will no longer be a Livestream. At least for the time being. The Critical Role episodes will be pre-recorded and then aired. As an explanation, Marisha Ray stated that it helped them not be driven by deadlines and instead focus on their health.
The timing has turned out interesting. The last episode played live was episode 99, and it came at a critical part in the story. Now, Critical Role will pick up again with episode 100. Many fans have wondered why they did not play virtually during this time. But, one of the things that set Critical Role apart is its commitment to a higher quality of show. These last couple of months the cast and crew have spent deciding how they would go forward with safer standards and making alterations to the set. Marisha Ray also stated that if the governing bodies of California decided everything needs to shut down once again, they would comply and go on another hiatus.
Critical Role is set to return next Thursday, July 2nd.