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Today is an amazing time for RPGs - there are so many avenues available for enjoying the hobby. Roll20 and other internet applications allow players from different parts of the world to play together using a common, specially crafted interface designed for online RPG play. Think of it as Skype for roleplaying games. YouTube makes it easy to record video and share play sessions, so viewers can keep current on other people's games even after the fact. I particularly recommend catching Convention-only shows this way.
In my opinion, the current king of RPG spectatorship is through streaming live-play games using sources like Twitch or YouTube live. These mediums allow viewers to watch the game as it unfolds, giving a 'live TV' feel and really letting the viewers feel like they're a part of the action. These systems also feature chat services that let the viewers interact with the players or DM directly, bringing an extra interactive element to the game.
There are many live-stream games currently being run all over the world, so I highly recommend poking about the internet to find what's local to you. For the US audience, here's a starter guide for the best weekly live-stream games in existence today!
twitch.tv/dnd
This isn't strictly a live-stream game, but it's where we'll start. This is Wizards of the Coast's official Twitch channel. Here, they stream and host all of the live-stream games featured in this list. Frequently, they'll supply the gaming groups they host with official product give-aways or exclusives, so it pays to be a viewer!
| Maze Arcana - Orphan Echo | Sundays 12pm PST |
| Ruty Rutenberg and Satine Phoenix bring you multiple DnD shows set in a few campaign settings. "Orphan Echo" is their Sunday show, which explores Keith Baker's Eberron setting. | |
| Girls Guts Glory | Sundays 3pm PST |
| The latest addition to Wizard's sponsored list of gamer groups, Girls Guts Glory brings another all-girl group to the streaming stage! Now in their third season, the ladies of GGG bring girl power to a new level! | |
| Force Grey: Lost City of Omu | Mondays 5pm PST |
| DM Matt Mercer returns with a weekly group of celebrities, comedians, and actors in Force Grey: Lost City of Omu! You might be surprised who plays DnD in their spare time. | |
| Dice Camera Action | Tuesdays 4pm PST |
| Chris Perkins runs a group through the latest adventure module releases. Tune in to see one of the best and most seasoned DMs around run the latest official content! | |
| Sirens of the Realms | Starting 10/17, Tuesdays 6pm PST |
| On October 17th, the first episode of "Sirens of the Realms" debuts featuring a new all-girl group playing all bards! "Sirens" features high-powered women from all ends of the nerdverse, including Satine Phoenix, Amy Vorpahl, Vivid Vivka, Kate Elliott, and Maude Garrett. | |
| Maze Arcana - Fury's Reach | Wednesdays 7pm PST |
| "Fury's Reach" is Maze Arcana's Wednesday show, set in Faerun from the Forgotten Realms and DM'd by the awesome Ruty Rutenberg. | |
| Acquisitions Inc. "The C Team" | Thursdays 3:30pm PST |
| The crowd favorite from PAX now has a weekly show. Catch it on twitch.tv/dnd on Thursdays at 3:30pm PST. | |
| Critical Role | Thursdays 7pm PST |
| We've mentioned Critical Role previously here at Titan Bear Gaming, but they have to be at the top of the list for the popularity they've gained. Check them out for an excellent example of DnD being played right. |
As always feel free to share this blog on social media using the buttons below. If you've got a favorite show that you think I should know about, tell me in the comments below and I'll add it to my list of shows to track! You can also email me directly at themoderngamer@titanbeargaming.com, or leave me messages on social media using the hashtag #themoderngamer.
Until next time -- have more fun, would ya? It's good for you.
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