The Sims-inspired Disney Dreamlight Valley launches in early access this September

Early access to The Sims-esque life sim Disney Dreamlight Valley opens September 6 on Nintendo Switch, PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, and Xbox One.

As developer Gameloft unveiled during today's third-party-focused Nintendo Direct Mini, Disney Dreamlight Valley will be playable at the tail end of summer. Early access will begin on all platforms simultaneously, while the full, free-to-play game is expected sometime next year after a stay in early access.

"At the launch of Early Access, the game will offer gamers a single-player experience, in addition to a few online features to allow players to share in-game content on real-world social network sites," the blurb reads. "We are committed to creating a game that is reactive to the needs and wants of the players, evolving over the life of the game. For now, the game features an ability to take selfies with Disney- and Pixar-inspired characters and easily share them on real-world social network sites."

The early access version promises life sim elements blended with "a solo campaign and a unique friendship system" that leverages its cast of characters.

Outside of Xbox Game Pass, early access to Disney Dreamlight Valley is tied to a paid founder's pack which comes with some bonus in-game currency and cosmetics. The founder's pack wasn't mentioned during today's Nintendo Direct, nor has it officially been priced just yet.

Gameloft has notably stressed that "the game features no monetization mechanisms such as a paid Energy system or gameplay time skipper," instead focusing microtransactions on "cosmetic or paid game extensions."

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Austin has been a game journalist for 12 years, having freelanced for the likes of PC Gamer, Eurogamer, IGN, Sports Illustrated, and more while finishing his journalism degree. He's been with GamesRadar+ since 2019. They've yet to realize his position is a cover for his career-spanning Destiny column, and he's kept the ruse going with a lot of news and the occasional feature, all while playing as many roguelikes as possible.