If you are involved in tabletop gaming, you are aware of Critical Role. The company started with a popular actual play series before becoming a multimedia empire.
They have created third-party D&D supplements as well as their own TTRPGs like Candela Obscura and Daggerheart. Now, there is Critical Role Beacon, a premium membership service.
The Critical Role Beacon Announcement
According to an official press release, Critical Role Beacon is a premium subscription service. The service is available on web browsers and Android smartphones and tablets. An iOS version is currently in development.
A membership will provide a wide range of exclusive programming. This includes early access to certain shows, live event pre-sales, instant access to any VODs or podcasts produced by Critical Role, access to an exclusive Discord server, and a 10% discount on all merchandise and products from their online shop.
The official Critical Role Beacon website explains what your membership is paying for. One of the series is Critical Role Abridged: an edited-down (from 4+ hour to 60-minute episode) version of Critical Role, the genre-bending antihero story of Midst, and the monster-slaying antics of Re-Slayer's Take.
Beacon members will gain access to Critical Role Fireside Chats and Critical Role Cooldown. Fireside Chats are 30-60 minute shows where Critical Role members answer questions from the community, curated from the member-exclusive Discord server. Whereas Cooldown is access to an episode's post-show.
“We’re incredibly excited about what Beacon opens up for us, and how we engage with our audience,” said Travis Willingham, CEO of Critical Role. “Nothing changes with how folks can watch our current slate of shows and we’re stoked to offer access, content and perks in ways that we never have before.”
The development of Critical Role Beacon is similar to another media company: Dropout. The improv comedy streaming platform that exploded into popularity thanks to the success of the D&D anthology actual play Dimension20. It is a show so popular it will be hosting a live event at Madison Square Garden next year.
Right now, you can try a seven-day trial of Critical Role Beacon. Once the trial ends, the service will cost you $5.99 monthly or $59.99 for an annual subscription.
