End The Matthew Mercer Effect

Ray and Ariel discuss why we should all stop using the phrase the Matthew Mercer Effect. The Matthew Mercer Effect (MME) has become a scapegoat and a Shibboleth for the lazy Dungeon Master that has failed to effectively communicate with their players. If you prefer to read, we discuss the points and arguments in this episode in this article. The MME is often used to describe obnoxious players that berate their DMs for not running a game similar to produced D&D performances like Critical Role, Dimension20, or The Adventure Zone. I am sympathetic; it is easier to explain away a conflict than to resolve it head-on. However, it is impolite when we shift that blame to another person and it becomes tasteless when that person has acted as a significant catalyst to the table-top roleplaying game renaissance we are experiencing today. The next time you hear or see someone use the phrase Matthew Mercer Effect, challenge them. It is rude to blame Matthew Mercer for the problems in your group and complaining about him and Critical Role certainly isn’t going to solve them. If you liked the show today, please follow us on Instagram. It is the only means we have to spread the word and put our show in front of new listeners.