Disney Speedstorm: Everything We Know

Heads up, Mario Kart enthusiasts — Gameloft is gearing up to bring Disney Speedstorm, an all-new combat-studded karting game, to consoles and PC in the next few weeks. And what’s more, it’ll be launching with a series of Founder’s Packs—additional content that will reportedly bring new characters, cosemtics, and in-game perks to the fold ahead of its full release.

So, what more do we actually know about Gameloft’s upcoming Early Access racing chapter? Well, here’s everything we’ve gathered on the cross-play all-rounder since it first came to light back in 2022. Disney Speedstorm: what is it, and why should you be keeping tabs on it over the next several weeks?

What Is Disney Speedstorm?

Disney Speedstorm is an upcoming racing game by Gameloft, creator behind Disney Magic Kingdoms, Modern Combat, and, more appropriately, Asphalt. Unlike the latter racing game, however, Disney Speedstorm will foster something of a family-friendly experience—a journey that will be fleshed out with Disney and Pixar characters, karts, and themed courses.

In Gameloft’s words: “Welcome to Disney Speedstorm! Drift into the ultimate hero-based combat racing game, set on high-speed circuits inspired by Disney and Pixar worlds. Master each character’s unique skills and claim victory in this thrilling arcade racing experience from the creators of the Asphalt series!”

Story

Being an arcade-style racing game at heart, there is no story, so to speak. That said, Gameloft has promised to released “fresh seasonal content” that will bring new Disney and Pixar characters, as well as events to partake in. To this end, it’s best to think of Disney Speedstorm as a live-service game; it isn’t likely to launch with an entire campaign, though future updates could very well employ one, depending on the game’s popularity at the time.

Of course, you can expect to see your bog-standard slew of cups and tournaments to compete in, all of which will be influenced by Disney-Pixar worlds. “From the docks of Pirates of the Caribbean’s Pirates Island track to the wilds of The Jungle Book’s Jungle Ruins map or the Scare Floor from Monsters, Inc.,” Disney Speedstorm will transport you to countless iconic biomes as seen in some of Disney’s most beloved franchises.

Gameplay

Going by the blurb, Disney Speedstorm will allow for you to not only select a racer for a one-off exhibition, but stick with them as you progress deeper into the game. By doing so, you will earn Tokens, an in-game currency, that will allow you to upgrade your vehicle, character’s abilities, and appearance. Furthermore, you will have access to “extensive customization features”—kart liveries that will receive regular updates as the seasons progress.

According to Gameloft, each character will come with a unique ability—a move, as such, that will help them gain an advantage depending on the course and scenario. These abilities will need to not only be employed into your arsenal, but mastered, if only to dethrone your fellow competitors either locally, or in the game’s online multiplayer mode.

Besides the minor details, though, Disney Speedstorm is very much your bread and butter karting game, but with a blatant Disney-Pixar twist. And so, with that, you can expect plenty of action-packed, high-octane tracks, and enough sibling rivalry to keep you entwined for the long haul.

Development

Gameloft first lifted the veil on Disney Speedstorm back in 2022, at which point it was announced that the game would be heading for an Early Access launch by mid-2023. As for how long the game will remain in its EA state following the initial launch remains unclear. According to Gameloft, though, “the exact date will depend on the feedback” it receives.

Fortunately, Disney Speedstorm will be launching on all major platforms, and will be free-to-play following its Early Access period. Until then, those interested in picking it up will need to purchase one of the three available Founder’s Packs. You can see what comes included in each Pack below.

Trailer

Caught your eye? If so, then you’ll be pleased to know that Gameloft has already taken the liberty of stapling a slew of trailers to social media since making the initial announcement. You can check out the original preview that was posted back in February of 2022 above.

Release Date, Platforms & Edition

Disney Speedstorm will be coming to Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on April 18, 2023.

There are three available Founder’s Packs to check out and pre-order: Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate, all of which come loaded with additional in-game perks and Early Access privileges. You can see what’s included in each of the three Packs down below.

Standard

• EARLY ACCESS TO DISNEY SPEEDSTORM
• RACER UNLOCK (MICKEY MOUSE, DONALD DUCK)
• ADDITIONAL RACER UNLOCK OF YOUR CHOICE*
• 4000 TOKENS (IN-GAME CURRENCY)​
• 2 GOLDEN PASS CREDITS
• EXCLUSIVE FOUNDING MEMBER RACING SUITS FOR MICKEY MOUSE, DONALD DUCK AND THE CHOSEN RACER
• EXCLUSIVE FOUNDING MEMBER KART LIVERIES FOR MICKEY MOUSE, DONALD DUCK AND THE CHOSEN RACER
• EXCLUSIVE FOUNDER’S MOTTO AND AVATAR

Deluxe

• EARLY ACCESS TO DISNEY SPEEDSTORM
• RACER UNLOCK (MICKEY MOUSE, DONALD DUCK AND MULAN)
• ADDITIONAL RACER UNLOCK OF YOUR CHOICE*
• 7000 TOKENS (IN-GAME CURRENCY)​
• 2 GOLDEN PASS CREDITS
• EXCLUSIVE FOUNDING MEMBER RACING SUITS FOR MICKEY MOUSE, DONALD DUCK, MULAN AND THE CHOSEN RACER
• EXCLUSIVE FOUNDING MEMBER KART LIVERIES FOR MICKEY MOUSE, DONALD DUCK, MULAN AND THE CHOSEN RACER
• EXCLUSIVE FOUNDER’S MOTTO AND AVATAR

Ultimate

• EARLY ACCESS TO DISNEY SPEEDSTORM
• RACER UNLOCK (MICKEY MOUSE, DONALD DUCK, MULAN, CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW AND HERCULES)
• ADDITIONAL RACER UNLOCK OF YOUR CHOICE*
• 12000 TOKENS (IN-GAME CURRENCY)​
• 3 GOLDEN PASS CREDITS
• EXCLUSIVE FOUNDING MEMBER RACING SUITS FOR MICKEY MOUSE, DONALD DUCK, MULAN, CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW, HERCULES AND THE CHOSEN RACER
• EXCLUSIVE FOUNDING MEMBER KART LIVERIES FOR MICKEY MOUSE, DONALD DUCK, MULAN, SPARROW, HERCULES AND THE CHOSEN RACER
• EXCLUSIVE FOUNDER’S MOTTO AND AVATAR
• KART WHEELS AND WINGS FOR DONALD DUCK KART

For more information on the Disney Speedstorm launch, you can follow the official social feed here. If anything changes ahead of its April release, we’ll be sure to fill you in on all the details right here on gaming.net.

So, what’s your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Disney Speedstorm when it drops? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.