Is DragonVale World Discontinued? The Definitive Answer
Yes, unfortunately, DragonVale World has been discontinued. As of November 20th, 2019, the game was officially removed from the App Store, and in-app purchase functionality was disabled. This means that new players are no longer able to legally download and play the game. While those who previously downloaded it may have had a limited time to replay, the game is no longer supported or accessible through official channels. This decision was a result of the shutdown of Backflip Studios, the original developer, by Hasbro, Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DragonVale World
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the discontinuation of DragonVale World, providing a comprehensive overview for those seeking more information.
1. When was DragonVale World released and when was it discontinued?
DragonVale World was released on October 31st, 2016, almost a year after its initial soft launch. It was officially discontinued on November 20th, 2019, when it was removed from the App Store and in-app purchases were disabled.
2. What’s the difference between DragonVale and DragonVale World?
The key differences between the two games are primarily their settings and elements. DragonVale takes place in the sky, whereas DragonVale World is set on land. Furthermore, DragonVale World originally featured unique elements like Desert and Cavern.
3. Does the original DragonVale still work?
Yes, the original DragonVale game is still active and supported. Unlike DragonVale World, it was not discontinued and is currently owned and maintained by DECA Games.
4. Can I still download DragonVale World if I had it before?
While some players who had previously downloaded DragonVale World might have had a brief window to replay it, the game is no longer available for download through the App Store. Even if you previously owned it, reinstalling it may not be possible.
5. Why was DragonVale World shut down?
The discontinuation of DragonVale World was a direct consequence of Hasbro, Inc.’s shutdown of Backflip Studios on October 24, 2019. This decision led to the discontinuation of most of Backflip’s games, with the exception of DragonVale and Transformers: Earth Wars.
6. Who owns DragonVale now?
After Backflip Studios was shut down, DECA Games acquired the ownership of DragonVale in March 2020. They continue to support and update the original DragonVale game. Hasbro took control of Transformers: Earth Wars.
7. Is DragonVale World offline?
Even before its discontinuation, DragonVale World required an internet connection to play. Without a stable internet connection, players would encounter an error message and be unable to access the game.
8. What happened to Backflip Studios?
Backflip Studios, the original developer of DragonVale and DragonVale World, was shut down by its parent company, Hasbro, Inc., on October 24, 2019. This shutdown resulted in the discontinuation of many of their popular games.
9. How much money did DragonVale make?
The original DragonVale has been a massive commercial success. It has been downloaded over 45 million times and has generated a total revenue of over $200 million. This popularity led to Hasbro’s acquisition of Backflip Studios in 2013.
10. Was DragonVale 3D the same as DragonVale World?
DragonVale World was essentially the 3D version of DragonVale. With DragonVale World no longer available, there is no way to download the game.
11. What are some similar games to DragonVale World that are still active?
If you’re looking for similar games to DragonVale World that are still active, the original DragonVale is an excellent choice. Other options include games in the creature-collecting and park-building genre, such as Dragon City.
12. Can I still make in-app purchases in DragonVale World?
No. As of November 20th, 2019, in-app purchases have been disabled in DragonVale World. This means you can no longer spend real money within the game.
13. Why is DragonVale still working while DragonVale World was shut down?
The decision to keep DragonVale running while discontinuing DragonVale World likely came down to a combination of factors, including player base, revenue generation, and the strategic focus of DECA Games after acquiring the game. DragonVale had a well-established player base.
14. Is there any way to petition for DragonVale World to be brought back?
While it’s unlikely to reverse the decision, expressing your interest to DECA Games or Hasbro might be a way to voice your desire for the game’s return. Community support can sometimes influence decisions, but there are no guarantees.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming, including games like DragonVale?
You can explore the potential learning opportunities found in games and game design at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This organization provides resources and insights into how games can be used for educational purposes.
DECA Games continues to run and support the original DragonVale, ensuring that fans of the franchise can still enjoy the core gameplay experience. While the loss of DragonVale World is disappointing for many, the legacy of the game lives on through its predecessor. The GamesLearningSociety.org explores and discusses the broader implications of games and learning, which can add a new dimension to how we appreciate titles like DragonVale.