36,000 USD a month for playing DnD

[happyhermit]

...
I haven't even tried yet to figure out what this even is (videos? podcasts?) but I'm guessing the "catch" is that these are decent production values and everyone has an angle - like the "serious RP" or "totally hilarious" or whatever? I do see the inherent worth of mixing game tables' gene pools: if I hear/saw a group doing something cool that might give me ideas, and so forth. Is that the main draw? Or just entertainment?

I think most people RPG sessions, while fun to play, don't actually translate well into entertainment (though I have enjoyed watching a table play rpgs before IRL). You are right in that to be "successful" they all generally have a good angle that fits their medium and target audience.

For example, Critical Role is the obvious top of the heap, their cast and GM are all voice actors, that is not something that "any" game group can just do. On top of that they had all been playing DND for awhile before making a show, and they are pretty amazing (Laura Bailey!) now they have great production values too. That being said, I never really could get into the show, partly because I always like to start at the beginning and partly because there were just way too many PC's for me, I think.

The opposite end would be when a popular youtube channel like sourcefed decides to play "DND". Production values were good, but the game was played horrendously, yet they still got 100-200 000 views. Probably due to the humour and appealing to their (young) fan base.

My favorite Podcast has been Critical hit and they are kind of a weird mix; excellent sound quality, good personalities, etc. They play 4e with minis in a very narrative game, which is pretty much opposite my preferred play-style but I love listening to them. However, had I started listening now (when they play on roll20) I probably wouldn't be able to get into it.

Just like anything youtube or podcast related (or singing, or pretty much anything really), anyone can do it, but making real money is another thing entirely.

 

[evilbob]

The most successful 'casts feature recognizable, established personalities. Even if your group is incredibly charismatic, you'll need to consistently release your product while continually engaging your viewers/listeners through all avenues of social media to grow and establish an audience.

Finally, forget about making any profits.

Ah, thanks - yeah I figured there was a "catch," or anyone would be doing it. So these are characters (personas) that are playing D&D: like talk show personas, they build up a character (which is basically themselves but bigger) and work hard to maintain that character and engage their audience. Yeah who wants to do all that.

For example, Critical Role is the obvious top of the heap, their cast and GM are all voice actors, that is not something that "any" game group can just do.

That makes a lot more sense as well.

I did a teeny tiny amount of voice acting back in the day (mostly because I was dating someone in the scene and the producers took pity on me because I was a subject matter enthusiast, I'm pretty sure). We went to a con where the material was premiered and I remember scores of fans always asking: how do I break into voice acting! What is the trick - how do I make a good demo, etc. But the trick is that in order to be a good voice actor, you just have to be a good actor. A good actor can work in lots of different mediums: I'm sure that "professional gaming" is yet another one.

 

[Ancalagon]

I would have to say I wouldn't want to be "watched" while playing. If I'm hamming it up as a GM (or player), silly jokes, side conversation about politics etc, I don't want that shared with the world. I guess a "benefit" I see would be better table discipline, but... It's nice to be able to relax with your friends/family with some privacy.