Disney Dreamlight Valley is becoming a fully priced retail game when it launched in December 5, 2023.
Gameloft made the announcement in a tweet over the past week. As reported by Screenrant, with this announcement, Gameloft is reneging on their promise to launch it as free to play. Now, depending on where you sit on free to play, this could be good or bad news. While many gamers were looking forward to getting a free game on their console, the game will now also get a physical release.
But first, let’s address the issue of the Founder’s Packs. Gamers can still buy Founder’s Packs until December 4, 2023, and they will work as they had for previous gamers. Gameloft also promised that they will continue to give Founders content that will be free for them for the coming months.
After December 5, 2023, Disney Dreamlight Valley will have a Standard Edition at $ 39.99, a Cozy Edition at $ 49.99, and a Gold Edition at $ 69.99. The next expansion, A Rift In Time, will now be sold at the full retail price of $ 29.99, which is the asking price for the lowest tier of the Founder’s Pack.
The Cozy version is special as it will have a physical release. Regardless of platform, each physical copy will have a sticker sheet and one of six collectible posters. In-game, players will also get a Cottage House skin, five raccoon companion skins, a Cheshire Cat sweater, as well as 14,500 moonstones.
On the other hand, the Gold Edition will have 15,000 Moonstones, as well as a Flowery Capybara animal companion, Flowery Summer Cottage house style, and the Artist’s Overalls clothing. All of these digital additions will also be given out to all Founder’s Pack owners at launch.
So if you’re a Founder’s Pack owner already, you shouldn’t have to worry since Gameloft is still pledged to give you support, without asking that you pay more. If you aren’t, you may want to register as a Founder over the next month. On the other hand, this is also your opportunity to secure a physical copy of your game.
This shift raises questions once again about the free-to-play model. Gameloft seemed to have everything figured out on how to set this game up, but this move suggests that players did not stay engaged enough to make it profitable.
In the mobile space, many game companies thrive with free-to-play games. But few games have the staying power of Candy Crush. Most companies have gotten used to the model of building games to immediately profit, and see them crash and burn just as soon.
If Disney Dreamlight Valley failed to keep a free to play audience, it may just thrive as a regular retail game.
