As Disney Dreamlight Valley keeps expanding its roster with new characters, both players and Gameloft need to remember that there’s only so much Disney animation to draw from. Looking ahead, the game might eventually need to reach beyond the well-loved worlds of Disney Animation and Pixar. Instead of opting for big live-action franchises like Star Wars or the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a neat fit might be Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMs), particularly the hit series Descendants.
Disney Channel’s DCOMs and animated series are rich with content that would resonate with Disney Dreamlight Valley enthusiasts. These shows, often packed with fantasy elements, sit more comfortably with the game’s vibe than something more grounded like Hannah Montana. Among the plethora of DCOM options, Descendants stands out as a heavyweight franchise deserving attention for its seamless thematic match with the game.
Descendants offers a fresh take on the children of Disney’s classic villains: Mal (Maleficent), Evie (the Evil Queen), Jay (Jafar), and Carlos (Cruella DeVille). Separated from the rest of society on the Isle of the Lost, the kids receive a chance to integrate into mainland society, thanks to Prince Ben—Belle and the Beast’s son—who opens up Auradon Prep to them. While they start under their parents’ villainous influence, they eventually choose the side of good. With three main films and a prequel, Descendants has already become a staple, releasing “Descendants: The Rise of Red” on Disney+ in the summer of 2024.
For those already familiar with Disney Dreamlight Valley, the redemption arc of Mal and her pals feels right at home. The game itself heavily incorporates themes of villain redemption, but it also gives players the autonomy to decide whether to redeem these characters, further underscoring why Descendants is an ideal addition.
Integrating the Descendants into Disney Dreamlight Valley might appear tricky due to its live-action origin and potential character doubling. Yet, the animated series Descendants: Wicked World offers a way forward, providing designs that would comfortably fit into the game’s world. Using Wicked World ensures that characters remain consistent and align with the existing animation style, avoiding any awkward transitions from live-action to animation.
Currently, some Descendants characters have connections in the game. Jafar is available courtesy of the A Rift in Time Expansion Pass, and Maleficent is set to join via the Storybook Vale expansion later this summer. These characters adhere more to their animated roots, distinct from their Descendants personas. Introducing a dedicated Descendants Realm within the game could clearly differentiate these versions.
Disney Dreamlight Valley’s narrative flexibility could potentially accommodate different character iterations from franchises outside the immediate Disney animation family. While the game may not be branching into broader Disney properties just yet, Descendants presents a strong case for inclusion within Disney Dreamlight Valley’s evolving universe.
