Unlocking Potential: How the Descendants Franchise Can Elevate Disney Dreamlight Valley

With Disney Dreamlight Valley’s ever-expanding roster of characters, it’s important for both players and developers, like Gameloft, to acknowledge that Disney’s pool of animated characters isn’t infinite. Eventually, the game may need to look beyond the realms of Walt Disney Animation and Pixar Studios for fresh faces. Rather than jumping straight to mega-hits like Star Wars or the Marvel Cinematic Universe, sticking to a franchise that’s closer to Disney’s original style, such as Descendants, could be the perfect fit for Disney Dreamlight Valley.

Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMs) and other animated series from the Disney Channel are treasure troves of potential content that would resonate well with the game’s audience. Unlike live-action titles with no fantasy elements, such as Hannah Montana, these shows often dive into fantastical narratives, making them a much better match for the game’s vibe. Among these, Descendants is particularly promising, given it’s one of the highest-earning DCOM franchises ever, and presents a wealth of opportunities for Disney Dreamlight Valley.

The Descendants saga centers around the offspring of some of Disney’s most infamous villains. We follow the journeys of Mal, daughter of Maleficent; Evie, daughter of the Evil Queen; Jay, son of Jafar; and Carlos, son of Cruella DeVille. These children, initially isolated on the Isle of the Lost, are given a chance to join the mainland and attend Auradon Prep, thanks to an invitation from Prince Ben, the son of Belle and Beast. Although their villainous parents hope they remain true to their maleficent roots, the story eventually shifts towards redemption. With three main films already released and a prequel titled “Descendants: The Rise of Red” that premiered on Disney+ in 2024, the franchise fits well with Disney Dreamlight Valley’s recurring theme of transforming villains into heroes.

For players who are hesitant about blending a live-action property with animated characters already in Disney Dreamlight Valley, Descendants offers a clever workaround. The animated series “Descendants: Wicked World” could serve as a guide for character designs, ensuring consistent aesthetics within the game since Disney Dreamlight Valley has tackled animation-based designs with varying success in the past. This makes “Wicked World” an invaluable asset for integrating the Descendants universe without compromising the game’s visual integrity.

Currently, some player favorites are already extensions of characters expected to join the game. Maleficent is anticipated to arrive in the summer of the next expansion, and Jafar is already in the picture with A Rift in Time Expansion Pass. These existing characters stay true to their original versions rather than following Descendants’ adaptations. By introducing a unique Descendants Realm, the game can cleverly distinguish these characters from their classic counterparts.

While Disney Dreamlight Valley might not venture outside the beloved world of Disney Animation and Pixar Studios in the near future, integrating the Descendants could be a strategic step forward. Not only does it resonate with the game’s thematic elements, but it also opens up new narratives and creative opportunities that align with Disney’s enduring legacy.