Gameloft recently announced Disney Dreamlight Valley, set to debut in early access in 2022, but while it's advertised as "free-t0-play", how much it will rely on microtransactions is as yet uncertain. Disney Dreamlight Valley is an adventure simulation game where players will embark on an adventure to renew a now-dilapidated magical village where Disney and Pixar characters once lived. Avatars, furniture, and buildings will all be customizable with reportedly many different options for each. This game will be released on multiple platforms and will have an early access program as well.
Disney Dreamlight Valley isn't Gameloft's first Disney game. Gameloft released Disney Magic Kingdoms in 2016 and is releasing the character-focused Disney Speedstorm in mid-2022. Disney Magic Kingdoms is a freemium game where Maleficent has cast an evil spell upon the Kingdom ridding it of magic and players have to help Mickey and other characters get the magic back. Players could purchase gems with real money for premium characters, attractions, tokens, decorations, and concessions. Disney Dreamlight Valley has a similar storyline to Disney Magic Kingdoms where the player must restore a magical place that has been overtaken by evil.
Many players and Disney fans are wondering if Disney Dreamlight Valley will really be free-to-play as advertised. Gameloft announced that Disney Dreamlight Valley will be available ahead of game launch for those who purchase a Founder's Pack or have an Xbox Game Pass subscription. Otherwise, the game will be released in 2023 on PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Xbox Series S.
Disney Dreamlight Valley Will Not Be 100% Free
Like most free-to-play games, it seems that Disney Dreamlight Valley will not be strictly free. Aside from players needing to pay if they want early access, there will be other monetary transactions that can take place. Hidden well within the game's website, Gameloft states that "Disney Dreamlight Valley will...have purchasable expansion options to enhance your gameplay." This implies that while the game will be playable without spending any real money, there will be certain things players will not be able to acquire unless they are willing to part with real-world currency.
Disney Dreamlight Valley could end up being a wonderful free-to-play life-simulation game for those who love or are even partial to Disney and Pixar characters. It may also be a wonderful addition to the ever-growing list of upcoming games in Disney video game franchises, including Kingdom Hearts 4 and Disney Speedstorm. However, adding in premium items that must be paid for using real money can leave a sour taste in fans' mouths. Hopefully, Gameloft and Disney do not get too greedy with their premium content and fans will still have a game that they are able to enjoy without breaking out their wallets.
Source: Gameloft