The Demise of DragonVale World: Unpacking the Shutdown
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DragonVale World, the 3D sequel to the immensely popular DragonVale, shut down primarily because Hasbro, Inc. deemed Backflip Studios, its developer, underperforming and ultimately closed it down. While DragonVale itself survived, transitioning to DECA Games, DragonVale World wasn’t so fortunate. A combination of factors, including financial underperformance, shifting corporate priorities, and potentially failing to capture the magic of the original, contributed to its discontinuation. The game was removed from app stores in November 2019, with in-app purchases disabled and a full shutdown commencing on January 10th, 2020, rendering the game unplayable. Let’s delve into the complexities of this decision.
The Hasbro Acquisition and Backflip’s Fate
In 2013, Hasbro acquired a 70% stake in Backflip Studios for $112 million, hoping to capitalize on the studio’s success, particularly the revenue generated by DragonVale. At the time, DragonVale had already been downloaded over 45 million times and generated over $200 million in revenue. However, Hasbro’s expectations for Backflip’s future performance appear to have been unmet.
The mobile gaming market is notoriously volatile. What works one year might not work the next. The shift toward free-to-play games with in-app purchases also meant developers had to constantly innovate and keep players engaged to maintain revenue streams. It’s possible that Backflip struggled to adapt to these changing market dynamics or failed to produce new hits that met Hasbro’s ambitious goals.
Ultimately, Hasbro decided to shut down Backflip Studios on October 24, 2019. While DragonVale and Transformers: Earth Wars were spared, being transferred to other developers, DragonVale World was not, marking the beginning of its end.
DragonVale World: Why Not Saved?
The question remains: why wasn’t DragonVale World saved like its predecessor? There are several potential reasons:
- Performance Compared to DragonVale: DragonVale was a massive success, a genre-defining game. DragonVale World, while visually appealing with its 3D graphics, may not have resonated with players to the same extent. It might not have achieved the download numbers or in-app purchase revenue that would justify a transfer to another developer.
- Technical Debt and Complexity: Developing and maintaining a 3D game like DragonVale World is significantly more complex and expensive than the original 2D DragonVale. The costs associated with transferring and updating the game might have outweighed the potential returns.
- Corporate Strategy: Hasbro might have decided to focus its efforts on other gaming ventures or intellectual properties. The decision to shut down DragonVale World could have been part of a broader restructuring strategy, prioritizing specific types of games or development studios.
- Player Reception: Although a decent game, DragonVale World suffered some negative player reviews. Players may have struggled with the elements being too different from the original DragonVale.
A Loss for DragonVale Fans
The shutdown of DragonVale World was undoubtedly a disappointment for fans who enjoyed the game’s unique 3D take on the DragonVale universe. It serves as a reminder of the often-unpredictable nature of the mobile gaming industry and the business decisions that can impact even beloved games. The Games Learning Society website has valuable resources on the gaming industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DragonVale World
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the DragonVale World situation:
What exactly was DragonVale World?
DragonVale World was a simulation video game and the 3D sequel to DragonVale where players managed their own parks by breeding and leveling up dragons, alongside decorating and expanding their parks in a 3D environment.
When was DragonVale World released?
DragonVale World was released worldwide on October 31st, 2016, nearly a year after its initial release.
When was DragonVale World removed from app stores?
DragonVale World was removed from the App Store and Google Play Store on November 20th, 2019.
Could I still play DragonVale World after November 20th, 2019?
Players who had previously downloaded the game could play it for a limited time. However, in-app purchases were disabled, and the game was fully shut down on January 10th, 2020, making it unplayable.
Why couldn’t new players download DragonVale World after November 20th, 2019?
Because it had been removed from the app stores.
What happened to my in-app purchases in DragonVale World after the shutdown?
Unfortunately, with the full shutdown of the service, all in-app purchases became unusable. Most companies do not offer refunds for virtual goods in discontinued games.
Is there any way to play DragonVale World now?
No, DragonVale World is no longer playable. The servers have been shut down, and the app is effectively useless.
Is DragonVale World related to DragonVale?
Yes, DragonVale World was a sequel to the original DragonVale game. DragonVale is in the sky whereas DragonVale World is on land.
Is DragonVale still available?
Yes! DragonVale and DragonVale World were two independent experiences. DragonVale continues to be supported by DECA Games.
Who owns DragonVale now?
After Hasbro shut down Backflip Studios, DragonVale was acquired by DECA Games in March 2020.
What is the difference between DragonVale and DragonVale World gameplay?
DragonVale is primarily a 2D breeding and park-building game. DragonVale World offered a similar experience but in a 3D environment with refined park customization and dragon care.
Was DragonVale World a commercial success?
While DragonVale World likely had initial success due to the popularity of DragonVale, it didn’t achieve the same level of long-term revenue or downloads as the original game.
Did player feedback affect the decision to shut down DragonVale World?
It is possible that player feedback played a role. Games that receive negative reviews often underperform. If DragonVale World suffered in this area, it would be a likely culprit to the shut down of the game.
Is there any chance DragonVale World will ever be revived?
While it’s impossible to say for sure, the likelihood of DragonVale World being revived is very low. Given the investment required to rebuild and maintain the game, it’s unlikely to happen unless there is a significant shift in market conditions or a renewed interest from DECA Games.
Where can I learn more about the gaming industry?
You can learn more about the gaming industry and its trends at websites like GamesLearningSociety.org.
The closure of DragonVale World serves as a case study in the mobile gaming industry, highlighting the importance of innovation, adaptation, and corporate strategy in determining the fate of even seemingly successful games.