Disney Speedstorm launching in paid Early Access next month

Gameloft and Disney seem to have found a groove: release free-to-play games in paid Early Access. I mean, why not? Disney Dreamlight Valley sold like hotcakes when it was first launched the same way, and months later is still finding new players while in paid Early Access (in part due to constant updates, like the Scar update from late last year). So the same thing will be happening with racing game Disney Speedstorm. I’m not sure how I feel about this, but I did pay for Dreamlight Valley so I can’t be that hot and bothered by it.

Disney Speedstorm is best described as a Disney/Pixar-themed combat racing game. It’s set on circuits inspired by Disney and Pixar worlds. I’m talking the docks from Pirates of the Caribbean, the wilds of The Jungle Book, the Great Wall of China from Mulan, and the Scare Floor from Monsters, Inc. The cast includes characters such as Captain Jack Sparrow, Mulan, Mickey Mouse, Sulley, and the Beast (it’s not like I’m over here waiting for Belle in Dreamlight Valley or anything). Each character has unique skills to master and stats that can be upgraded.

• The Standard Founder’s Pack (US$29.99) includes early access to Disney Speedstorm, two racer unlocks (Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck), an additional racer unlock of the player’s choice, 4,000 tokens (in-game currency)​, two Golden Pass credits, exclusive founding member racing suits (Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and the chosen racer), exclusive founding member kart liveries (Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and the chosen racer), and an exclusive founder’s motto and avatar.
• The Deluxe Founder’s Pack (US$49.99) includes early access to Disney Speedstorm, three racer unlocks (Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Mulan), an additional racer unlock of the player’s choice, 7,000 Tokens, two Golden Pass credits, exclusive founding member racing suits (Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Mulan, and the chosen racer), exclusive founding member kart liveries (Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Mulan, and the chosen racer), and an exclusive founder’s motto and avatar.
• The Ultimate Founder’s Pack (US$69.99) includes early access to Disney Speedstorm, five racer unlocks (Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Mulan, Captain Jack Sparrow, Hercules), an additional racer unlock of the player’s choice, 12,000 Tokens, three Golden Pass credits, exclusive founding member racing suits (Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Mulan, Captain Jack Sparrow, Hercules, and the chosen racer), exclusive founding member kart liveries (Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Mulan, Captain Jack Sparrow, Hercules, and the chosen racer), exclusive founder’s motto and avatar, and kart wheels and wings for Donald Duck’s kart.

Developed by Gameloft, Disney Speedstorm will be released in paid Early Access for PC via Steam/Epic, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series, and Xbox One on April 18.