Dungeon Masters Stars Explain Why The Show Is Perfect For D&D Newbies And Seasoned Pros Alike (Interview)

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Shows like Critical Role and Dimension 20 have made tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) live plays popular, introducing many people to the world of Dungeons & Dragons. However, these shows can sometimes be complex for newcomers. Wizards of the Coast’s new show, Dungeon Masters, aims to solve this. Premiering on YouTube, it features a diverse cast playing a D&D adventure while also clearly explaining how the game works, making it easy for new fans to learn and enjoy.

Okay, so I started watching Dungeon Masters and honestly, it didn’t feel like it was trying to teach me how to play D&D – it just jumped right into a really good story with characters I actually cared about. I was reading an interview with the cast – Jasmine Bhullar, Mayanna Berrin, Christian Navarro, Neil Newbon, and Devon Wilde – and they talked about how important it is to make Dungeons & Dragons welcoming to new players with shows like this one. They also said they really try to balance the funny moments with the serious stuff, and it’s awesome seeing some of the classic D&D locations brought to life.

Fun For Rookies, Delightful For Veterans

I’m curious, why is it important to offer Dungeons & Dragons in this way? How do you manage to both teach new players the rules and still deliver a compelling and enjoyable gaming experience?

I’m really excited about the possibility of introducing people to tabletop role-playing games and Dungeons & Dragons for the very first time. A lot of people feel intimidated, worried they won’t be good at it or that they don’t know the rules. We’re hoping to create a welcoming environment that helps them overcome those fears and just give it a try.

Neil Newbon feels like they’re among friends right now, and that’s intentional. He explains they avoid direct camera work or addressing the audience to create a realistic experience, as if you’re just observing a natural gathering. The goal is to showcase a genuinely fun and friendly atmosphere, like hanging out with friends.

Devon Wilde feels incredibly honored to be working with Wizards of the Coast, the creators of Dungeons & Dragons, on this project and sees it as a fantastic way to engage with the game and its world. What sets this apart from other ‘Actual Play’ shows, for Devon, is that while those shows are fun, they can be difficult for newer players like themself to follow. The rules are often assumed to be known and the game moves quickly, making it hard to learn as you watch.

As someone new to D&D, I’m really excited about the Dungeon Masters helping me understand what all those dice rolls actually mean. It’s seriously a game-changer for accessibility – I used to feel so lost, but now things are clicking! I think it’ll be awesome for anyone else who’s been a little intimidated by D&D, like I was. It just feels like a really welcoming way to get everyone involved.

As a gamer, it’s seriously awesome to actually get my hands on the tools to build within these worlds! These teams have been crafting these universes – like, for over fifty years, which is longer than I’ve even been alive! It’s a blast getting to experiment and tweak things, and it’s amazing that the company is letting me do it. Honestly, it feels like a real privilege and I’m super honored.

You know, my best friend has been trying to get me into Dungeons & Dragons for a decade, and honestly, I’ve dealt with depression for a while now. So, when I got the call about this project, it meant so much. It felt like a real thank you to a company that genuinely helped me through a tough time. I was so happy to be involved! I already knew Mayanna and Jasmine, but meeting Neil and Devon was great too. It just proves how this game can bring people together, especially when you need it most. It’s been a truly wonderful experience for me.

Ravenloft is a really famous setting in Dungeons & Dragons, and you get to experience it in this game. As a fan of D&D, what specifically drew you to this particular setting?

I refer to classic Dungeons & Dragons modules as ‘the old texts’ because they continue to be a huge source of inspiration for dungeon masters. I’ve realized, especially when playing with new players, that not everyone is familiar with them, and that’s really exciting! Seeing the cover of a module like Ravenloft and remembering the characters instantly, while someone else doesn’t, reminds me that these stories and settings still have so much life left in them. Characters like Strahd aren’t forgotten; the world continues to evolve.

It’s absolutely worth checking out. It’s easy to dismiss it as something outdated, but the core stories and world are still compelling. You can still have the same amazing experience players had decades ago, and the recent updates keep it fresh. I’m not just saying that because I’m involved with the show – I’ve always been a huge fan of the Forgotten Realms and Greyhawk; they’re among my favorite fantasy settings.

Mayanna Berrin: Xanathar!

I’m really excited we’re getting a glimpse of Xanathar! I especially love exploring the official locations and worlds in Dungeons & Dragons, and introducing new players to them is a passion of mine. Whether you’re already a fan of the darker Ravenloft setting or completely new to it, I’m hoping to offer a fresh and unique experience.

I didn’t know much going in. They gave me a little preparation, but I prefer to be surprised, as you never know what the story will be like. I mainly looked at the new elements introduced in the book, and honestly, I just assumed there were vampires involved – it’s a very dark and scary story! That was pretty much all I knew beforehand.

I don’t typically run horror-themed games at home. I generally prefer lighter, more playful stories. However, I can explore darker themes, so it was enjoyable to create a sad, spooky, and atmospheric game experience.

CB: What surprised you the most about Dungeon Masters?

What I really appreciated was the humor. We all knew the show would be fairly dark and have horror elements, but we managed to keep things light and fun with each other. We were able to create and maintain tension when the story called for it, but that was balanced out by a lot of laughter and good times. That contrast was really enjoyable and unexpected.

Jasmine made a similar point. It’s important to have lighthearted moments because they make the difficult or sad times feel even more impactful by creating a strong contrast.

Jasmine Bhullar: You have to have somewhere to go.

Devon Wilde: We all have a similar sense of humor.

Neil Newborn: That was a nice surprise.

If we hadn’t worked well together, things would have been really difficult. Luckily, it seems like we all think alike and are on the same page.

Neil Newborn: We can help make things happen. That’s why I’m positioned between everyone – to keep them separate and prevent any conflicts [laughter].

The first two episodes of Dungeon Masters debuts on YouTube on April 22 at 6:30 p.m. PT

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2026-04-16 20:42