Frontier Developments, the Cambridge‑based developer behind hit series such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution, has sealed a partnership with The Walt Disney Company to produce a brand‑new game built around Disney’s extensive portfolio of intellectual property. Under the terms of the agreement, Frontier will assume full responsibility for funding, development and publishing, drawing on the studio’s deep experience in the creative‑management simulation (CMS) genre to bring the Disney universe to life in an interactive, sandbox‑style experience. The announcement was made by Frontier’s chief executive officer, Jo Cooke, who emphasized how the collaboration aligns with the company’s long‑term vision of cultivating world‑class CMS franchises.
“We are thrilled to unveil this partnership with Disney, which further solidifies our clearly defined strategy of developing and nurturing top‑tier creative‑management simulation game franchises,” Cooke said. “Our goal with this project is to connect a passionate community of creators with one of the world’s most iconic and beloved brands, and I can’t wait to see what our talented teams will produce with this extraordinary opportunity.” The upcoming title will allow players to design, manage and expand Disney‑themed attractions, resorts, or experiences, employing the same tools and depth that have made Frontier’s previous CMS titles popular among both casual fans and hardcore simulation enthusiasts.
By leveraging Disney’s rich catalog of characters, stories and settings, the game aims to deliver a sandbox environment where players can craft their own magical worlds, from classic theme‑park rides inspired by Mickey Mouse and the Disney Princesses to immersive narrative adventures set in the Star Wars and Marvel universes. Frontier’s decision to focus exclusively on CMS games dates back to 2023, when the studio announced a strategic pivot toward genres that promise “stronger and more predictable returns.” This shift proved financially rewarding; the company recently reported its second‑highest annual revenue on record, with a 16 % increase to £104.8 million. Operating profit surged 44 % to £19 million, surpassing the previous peak of £15.9 million recorded in fiscal year 2029.
Frontier attributes this growth to its “strategic focus” on CMS titles, which now account for roughly 90 % of the firm’s FY26 revenue. The new Disney partnership fits neatly into Frontier’s broader roadmap, which includes a commitment to release one CMS title per year and to nurture long‑term, sustainable growth through high‑quality, evergreen franchises. In addition to the Disney‑based project, the studio is currently developing an unannounced Planet game that will draw on its own original intellectual property, further expanding its portfolio of simulation experiences.
Industry observers note that the collaboration could be a game‑changer for both parties. For Disney, the partnership offers a proven development partner with a track record of delivering polished, content‑rich simulation experiences that resonate with a global audience.
For Frontier, the Disney license provides an unparalleled brand cachet that can attract a wider demographic, potentially boosting player acquisition and retention across its ecosystem of games. The CMS genre itself has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years, driven by a growing appetite for games that blend creativity, strategic planning and long‑term progression. Titles such as Planet Coaster and Planet Zoo have demonstrated that players are eager to invest time in building and managing intricate virtual worlds, especially when those worlds are anchored by beloved IPs. By marrying Disney’s iconic characters and settings with Frontier’s sophisticated simulation engine, the upcoming title is poised to capture the imagination of both longtime fans of the studio and newcomers drawn by the Disney name.
While specific details about gameplay mechanics, release windows or platform availability remain under wraps, Frontier has hinted that the game will feature robust modding support, seasonal live‑ops events and cross‑play functionality to foster a vibrant, interconnected community. The studio also plans to incorporate feedback loops that allow players to share their creations, compete in design challenges and collaborate on large‑scale projects, echoing the social and collaborative aspects that have become hallmarks of successful CMS titles. In summary, Frontier Developments’ new venture with Disney represents a strategic convergence of two industry powerhouses: a developer with a proven formula for creative‑management simulations and a media giant with a treasure trove of beloved characters and stories.
With financial results on an upward trajectory and a clear commitment to delivering one high‑quality CMS title each year, Frontier is well‑positioned to leverage this partnership into a flagship product that could set new standards for immersive, brand‑driven simulation gaming. The collaboration not only reinforces Frontier’s strategic focus on sustainable, evergreen franchises but also expands Disney’s footprint in the interactive entertainment space, promising fans a fresh, imaginative way to experience the magic of Disney’s worlds.