Acquisitions Incorporated Shifts to Daggerheart: A New Era for the Iconic TTRPG Series

The landscape of tabletop role-playing games is witnessing a notable transformation as Acquisitions Incorporated, a venerable series celebrated for its unique blend of humor and adventure, embarks on a new chapter by adopting Critical Role's Daggerheart system. This strategic evolution, subtly foreshadowed by on-screen narratives and high-profile guest appearances, signifies an exciting progression for the long-standing franchise. Even with various system transitions throughout its history, Acquisitions Incorporated has consistently preserved its distinctive comedic essence and deep bond with its audience, viewing this shift not as a complete overhaul but as a logical advancement. The integral involvement of esteemed former Dungeons & Dragons designers, Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford, now affiliated with Critical Role's Darrington Press, further emphasizes the collaborative synergy and potential for Daggerheart to gain broader recognition.

Acquisitions Incorporated Embraces Daggerheart: A Detailed Overview of the TTRPG Transition

In a move that has resonated throughout the tabletop role-playing community, Acquisitions Incorporated, a pioneering D&D live-play franchise, has officially announced its transition to Critical Role's Daggerheart system. This significant shift was subtly signaled during the PAX West 2025 event in September, where a pivotal in-game action by Evelyn Marthain, portrayed by Anna Prosser, alluded to a 'reality reset.' Further confirmation arrived with Matt Mercer's participation in Acq Inc's November PAX Unplugged 2025 game, a clear indication of the impending system change.

Acquisitions Incorporated, which originated as a D&D podcast in 2008 during the fourth edition era, has a rich history of adapting and evolving. Its inaugural live show at PAX West in 2010 catalyzed the burgeoning live-play TTRPG scene. The series successfully transitioned to D&D's fifth edition in 2012, primarily set in the Forgotten Realms for over a decade. In 2023, the party relocated to Greyhawk, a move many initially believed was a precursor to D&D's 2024 edition. Despite these changes, and with only Penny Arcade co-founders Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik remaining from the original cast, the brand has consistently retained its core identity and strong connection with its fanbase.

The current adoption of Daggerheart is viewed not as a reboot, but as a continuation of Acq Inc's established narrative. This continuity is particularly noteworthy given the recent departure of D&D's chief designers, Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford, from Wizards of the Coast in April. Both luminaries, who have long been integral to Acq Inc's identity (Perkins as the original Dungeon Master and Crawford succeeding him in 2018), joined Darrington Press, Critical Role's publishing arm, which recently launched Daggerheart. Their involvement suggests a natural convergence between Acq Inc and the new system.

While Critical Role opted to continue with D&D for its highly anticipated Campaign 4, thereby dispelling rumors of a conflict with Wizards of the Coast, this decision left Daggerheart enthusiasts eager for a prominent platform. Acquisitions Incorporated, with its esteemed reputation and impressive network of partnerships—including D&D Beyond and Hero Forge—provides an ideal stage. The corporate reach of Acq Inc, ironically a parody of a greedy yet incompetent corporation, is exemplified by having Perkins and Crawford as official DMs, offering them a perfect avenue to showcase new Daggerheart products and campaign settings.

Fan reactions at PAX Unplugged indicate widespread acceptance of the system change. Acq Inc's enduring appeal lies in its comedy-centric approach, emphasizing the humorous and chaotic aspects of TTRPGs over strict adherence to rules. As Perkins articulated in an interview with Popverse, the show's longevity stems from its ability to balance faithfulness to the TTRPG experience with its unique, unconstrained storytelling. The show’s signature elements—Omin Dran’s passion for paperwork, Jim Darkmagic’s magical antics, and Evelyn’s fervent preachings—are expected to thrive within the Daggerheart framework, regardless of the underlying mechanics.

The collaboration with Critical Role, evidenced by Matt Mercer's appearance as Omin's son, Bode, at PAX Unplugged, is poised to significantly enhance Acq Inc's visibility. This crossover moment, coupled with the show's availability on Critical Role's Beacon streaming platform, is expected to attract a new wave of viewers to Acq Inc, a series lauded for making D&D accessible and enjoyable even for non-players. The future looks bright for Acquisitions Incorporated as it stands at the forefront of Daggerheart's expansion.

This pivot by Acquisitions Incorporated to Daggerheart offers a compelling lesson in adaptability and evolution within the entertainment industry. For enthusiasts of tabletop role-playing games, it underscores the idea that a game's core appeal often transcends its mechanics, residing instead in its narrative, characters, and the communal experience it fosters. As a long-time admirer of the TTRPG world, the prospect of seeing Chris Perkins, whose DM style significantly influenced my own return to D&D, helm a Daggerheart game for the Acq Inc cast is particularly inspiring. It's a reminder that embracing new systems can rejuvenate creativity and draw fresh perspectives, potentially ushering in an exciting new era for both the show and the Daggerheart system, encouraging even seasoned players to explore new horizons.