Summary
- Disney Dreamlight Valley was initially marketed as a free-to-play game, but Gameloft recently announced that it will now be a paid game. This change has sparked controversy within the game's community.
- The base game of Disney Dreamlight Valley currently costs $29.99, with additional editions and DLC available at higher prices. The first expansion pack, A Rift in Time, will cost an additional $29.99, but it is not required to play the base game.
- Gameloft stated that the decision to make Disney Dreamlight Valley a paid game was made to ensure a premium gaming experience for all players. However, updates and improvements to characters, realms, furniture, and more are still planned for the game.
Although Disney Dreamlight Valley was initially marketed as a game that would eventually become free-to-play once it exited its early access period, Gameloft recently confirmed that this is no longer the case. Needless to say, the October 27 announcement was shocking to some players. The circumstances as to why the studio is changing course have sparked some controversy in Disney Dreamlight Valley's community, as some people are defending the switch, while others are giving voice to disappointment.
When Disney Dreamlight Valley first launched in early access in September 2022, it was quickly labeled as one of the best cozy games on Xbox Game Pass. Unfortunately, for those without an Xbox Game Pass subscription, the base game's current price is $29.99, the cozy edition is $49.99, and the gold edition is $69.99. When the title leaves its trial period on December 5, the first expansion pack, A Rift in Time, will be an extra $29.99.
The Disney Dreamlight Valley A Rift in Time expansion pack will not be required to play the base game. However, players must have the base game to unlock the expansion.
Disney Dreamlight Valley Heads in a New Direction
As expected, Gameloft shared details as to why Disney Dreamlight Valley is retracting its free-to-play promise. The official site states that the game will remain paid for the foreseeable future because the developers believe it "will be able to continue delivering on a premium game experience for all players." According to this update, moving forward with the original free plan no longer aligns with the company's vision. However, along with the expansion pack, updates are expected to come to each of the following:
- Characters
- Realms
- Furniture
- Unnamed surprises
Disney Dreamlight Valley's Early Access Period is Ending
Since the early access trial is coming to a close, it appears Gameloft wanted to reevaluate its model. As the global launch of December 5 draws closer, Disney Dreamlight Valley's content roadmap in 2024 is projected to grow rapidly.
While some people in the community are happily waiting for the release of the Apple Arcade version, characters like Rapunzel and Jafar, and new biomes, others are unhappy with the shift, especially after the microtransaction controversy Disney Dreamlight Valley has already been involved with. YouTuber and Twitch streamer Freckxi commented on the situation, stating that this announcement seemed "shady."
Disney Dreamlight Valley Could Still Be Free-to-Play
It's important to note that Gameloft has only canceled the free-to-play feature indefinitely. Considering the fact that the developers have only recently committed to a paid model, it's possible they will change their minds again. After all, this isn't the only cozy life simulation game on the market. Major contenders such as Animal Crossing could capitalize on Disney Dreamlight Valley's new direction and go free-to-play themselves. Unfortunately, it's too soon to tell if these updates will have a significant impact on Disney Dreamlight Valley or its concurrent playerbase.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 75 /100 Critics Rec: 77%
WHERE TO PLAY
Disney Dreamlight Valley is a hybrid between a life-sim and an adventure game rich with quests, exploration, and engaging activities featuring Disney and Pixar friends, both old and new.
Once an idyllic land, Dreamlight Valley was a place where Disney and Pixar characters lived in harmony—until the Forgetting. Night Thorns grew across the land and severed the wonderful memories tied to this magical place. With nowhere else to go, the hopeless inhabitants of Dreamlight Valley retreated behind locked doors in the Dream Castle.Now it’s up to you to discover the stories of this world and bring the magic back to Dreamlight Valley.
Free the Dream Castle from the insidious grip of the Forgetting, and unlock the unique Realms of well-loved Disney and Pixar characters, including great queens and kings such as Anna and Simba. Each Realm contains unique challenges with puzzles to solve in the quest to bring friendship back to the Valley.
You’ll start your adventure in the Valley, but your journey will take you to infinity… and beyond! Explore what lurks in the Forest of Valor and brave the deepest caverns as you take on challenges from iconic Disney and Pixar heroes and villains. Who knows who—or what—you might discover.
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, iOS
- Genre(s)
- Life Simulation, Casual
- How Long To Beat
- 33 Hours
