D&D General Critical Role: Overrated, Underrated, or Goldilocks?

[OB1]

Also, no one in this thread is saying that it isn't. Saying CR is not your game is not the same as saying it is not D&D... It's just not the same as our D&D

@Snarf Zagyg said exactly that in their previous thread, I'm assuming their position hasn't changed.

One of the best things to happen to the growth of D&D is the rise of the streaming games; but this is, conversely, one of the worst things to happen to DMs. Yes, there are actual games by actual DMs streamed out there- but the truly popular ones? Those aren't D&D games, those are entertainment. You will learn as much about being a good DM for your home game from watching Critical Role as you would learn to be a considerate lover from watching adult film clips off the internet; it's just not in the same ballpark.

*bold for emphasis.

Of course a live-stream game isn't your D&D, neither is my game or Snarf's game or anyone else's game. Your game is your game. That doesn't mean you can't learn from how others play. Even from uber talented professionals.

 

[Charlaquin]

(and frankly, I cannot understand fans who spend hours listening to a D&D podcast rather than playing D&D, or even those with the patience to listen to D&D's slow-moving combat)

This is where the “adult film” analogy from Snarf’s other thread rings especially true to me. Why watch adult films when you could be participating in the act yourself? Well, sometimes you can’t find other willing participants.

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

@Snarf Zagyg said exactly that in their previous thread, I'm assuming their position hasn't changed.

Or, you know, I might have just written an ENTIRE WALL OF TEXT EXPLAINING MY POSITION FULLY.

You might be familiar with it, since ... you know, you're commenting in the thread. There are many things in life I dislike: Bards, Elves, and Elven Bards being at the top of the list.

But I really, really, really don't take kindly to this sort of thing. Thanks!

 

[Bolares]

@Snarf Zagyg said exactly that in their previous thread

...did they though?

 

[Charlaquin]

Yeah, I've read that. Most of the time I've someone using "The Mercer Effect" in a discussion, it is just a fancy way of disguising their gatekeeping

In my experience, that’s all the supposed “Mercer Effect” is.

 

[OB1]

@Snarf Zagyg my apologies, sincerely. On the first read of your initial post in this thread, I misinterpreted it as a further justification of your original comment, rather than an explanation of what you actually meant. That's on me.

I'm still not sure I fully understand your position on the positives vs negatives of popular live-stream D&D for the hobby, and will commit to trying to better understand your POV if you would like to continue the discussion.

 

[BRayne]

This is where the “adult film” analogy from Snarf’s other thread rings especially true to me. Why watch adult films when you could be participating in the act yourself? Well, sometimes you can’t find other willing participants.

Though I think the "adult film" analogy is why this argument and thread exists in the first place. Had Snarf started with the NFL analogy (ie "higher level" but still same sport) I doubt people (at least the ones who did take issue, a different crowd might have instead) would have taken as much issue as opposed to the adult film version which carries an implication of "this is all being faked" that people found untrue

 

[robus]

Another excellent post! As a professional performer myself, I agree wholeheartedly. To claim that Critical Role is fundamentally the same as one’s home game is to do a disservice to the incredible talent and work that goes into the show.

But that‘s the thing, fundamentally it is the same, it’s stuff beyond the fundamentals that sets it apart.

 

[Charlaquin]

Though I think the "adult film" analogy is why this argument and thread exists in the first place. Had Snarf started with the NFL analogy (ie "higher level" but still same sport) I doubt people (at least the ones who did take issue, a different crowd might have instead) would have taken as much issue as opposed to the adult film version which carries an implication of "this is all being faked" that people found untrue

You… you do know the actors in adult films are actually doing the act, right?

 

[FrogReaver]

Or, you know, I might have just written an ENTIRE WALL OF TEXT EXPLAINING MY POSITION FULLY.

You might be familiar with it, since ... you know, you're commenting in the thread. There are many things in life I dislike: Bards, Elves, and Elven Bards being at the top of the list.

But I really, really, really don't take kindly to this sort of thing. Thanks!

Snarf, you're more of an elven bard than all of us combined.