Gameloft announced earlier today that Disney Dreamlight Valley will be coming out of early access on 5 December, however this came alongside some bad news for people who have been waiting until launch to play the game.

While some players are hopeful that Disney Dreamlight Valley will be able to further improve if it does not go free-to-play, others are angry that the change was made so close to the full release. 

• Disney Dreamlight Valley has an issue with microtransactions

Disney Dreamlight Valley is no longer going free-to-play

In an update shared earlier today, Gameloft announced that Disney Dreamlight Valley will no longer be free-to-play when it comes out of early access in December.

Until today, players had the option of paying to play the game in early access or, alternatively, they could wait for the official launch, at which point the game would become free-to-play. This is no longer the case.

When addressing this in the update, Gameloft said: “As we look ahead to the official launch, with the learnings we've gained from Early Access, we’ve made the decision to remain a paid game for the foreseeable future. This means we will not make the transition to be a free-to-play game when we leave Early Access on December 5th.

“This choice ensures that Disney Dreamlight Valley will be able to continue delivering on a premium game experience for all players. It's important to us that we maintain our promise to keep delivering free content updates that add new characters, realms, clothing, furniture, and more surprises to your Valley. Purchases requiring moonstones will remain optional, fair, and match the level of quality players have come to expect. Players will still be able to collect free Moonstones via Dream Snaps and Chests, or optionally choose to purchase them.”

Several editions of Disney Dreamlight Valley will be available when the game comes out of early access

There will be three different versions of Dreamlight Valley available when it launches in December, as well as the game’s first paid DLC, titled A Rift In Time.

The editions are the standard base game, the physical ‘cozy edition’, which comes with additional moonstones and items, and the ‘gold edition’ which includes additional moonstones, items and the expansion pack.

In the update, Gameloft said: “As a thank you to our Early Access players, all unique cosmetic items included in the upcoming Gold Edition will be given free of charge to any player who purchases and claims a Founder’s Pack in-game on or before December 4th, no matter the tier. Not only that, but all Founders will also receive 2,500 Moonstones to celebrate this exciting moment!”

More information about the expansion pack will be made available on 1 November, in the first Disney Dreamlight Valley showcase.

Players have mixed opinions on the game no longer being free-to-play

While it doesn't seem like everyone is disappointed at the news, many people are unhappy that the game will no longer be going free-to-play when it comes out of early access.

"The absolute cheek of it leading players to believe it was going to be free to play all while lining your pockets and dragging it out just to turn around and say it’s no longer free to play," said one Twitter user. "It’s just greed!"

Another said: "This ain't it, guys. $30 DLC, micro transactions during Early Access, and now reversing the F2P option...Gameloft really is greedy."

Some people are concerned at how the game is already set up under a free-to-play model, with micro-transactions already an intrinsic part of the experience.

A Reddit user said: "The problem is that this game is set up as free to play - there are extensive micro transactions, for cosmetics but also for actual gameplay content.

"Now they want to sell you an expansion pass, again with actual gameplay content in it, taking it to an eye-watering price just to be able to play the whole game."

This is not the case for all players however, with some happy to pay for new content and to ensure the game is able to be kept at a high standard.

One Twitter user commented: "I'd pay a monthly subscription for stuff. Im excited no matter what. Toss my money at them."

Another expressed they would "much rather pay for a game and enjoy it, with minimal buying/optional purchases, then have the game be free."

While the shock is understandable, particularly for players who have eagerly been waiting for the game to become free, it is not all doom and gloom, as it means that prices for in-game items like moonstones will likely not increase and free, main story updates will continue to be released.