Frontier Developments has secured a partnership with Disney to produce a brand‑new video game that will draw on Disney’s extensive catalogue of intellectual property. Under the terms of the agreement, Frontier will act as the sole financer, developer and publisher of the project, applying the studio’s deep‑rooted know‑how in the creative‑management simulation (CMS) genre to bring the Disney universe to life in an interactive format.
The Cambridge‑based developer, best known for hits such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution, is already juggling several ambitious projects. In addition to the Disney‑licensed title, the company is quietly working on an as‑yet‑unnamed Planet game that will be built around its own original intellectual property.
This dual pipeline reflects Frontier’s broader ambition to dominate the niche market of simulation games that blend creative freedom with strategic oversight. "We are thrilled to announce this collaboration with Disney," said Jo Cooke, CEO of Frontier Developments.
"It aligns perfectly with our clearly articulated strategy of building and nurturing world‑class creative‑management simulation franchises. By partnering with one of the most beloved and globally recognised brands, we aim to connect a passionate community of creators with the magic that Disney represents.
I am eager to see what our talented teams will produce when given this extraordinary opportunity." The announcement comes on the heels of a strong financial performance for Frontier. The company recently disclosed its second‑highest annual revenue to date, posting a 16 % increase that lifted total earnings to £104.8 million. Operating profit surged by 44 % to £19 million, surpassing the previous record of £15.9 million set in fiscal year 2029. Frontier attributes this robust growth to its "strategic focus" on CMS titles, a segment that now accounts for roughly 90 % of the firm’s FY26 revenue.
Frontier’s pivot toward CMS games began in 2023, a decision driven by the genre’s reputation for delivering "stronger and more predictable returns" compared with other types of entertainment software. The company’s roadmap is deliberately simple: release one high‑quality CMS title each year while cultivating long‑term, sustainable growth through evergreen franchises that keep players engaged for years.
This approach has already borne fruit, as evidenced by the commercial success of Planet Coaster and Planet Zoo, both of which have enjoyed steady post‑launch revenue streams thanks to downloadable content, expansions and a vibrant modding community. The new Disney‑based game is expected to follow a similar model. By leveraging Disney’s rich library of characters, stories and worlds, Frontier hopes to craft a sandbox‑style experience where players can design, manage and showcase their own attractions, parks, or themed environments. The studio’s previous work on theme‑park simulations suggests that the upcoming title will feature sophisticated building tools, intricate visitor‑behavior AI, and a high degree of visual polish—elements that have become hallmarks of Frontier’s CMS offerings.
Beyond the core gameplay loop, Frontier plans to integrate social and community features that encourage collaboration and competition among creators. Players will likely be able to share their custom‑built scenarios, rate each other’s creations, and perhaps even host seasonal events tied to Disney’s iconic holidays and film releases. Such community‑driven content has proven to extend the lifespan of Frontier’s existing titles, fostering a loyal fan base that returns year after year. From a business perspective, the Disney partnership also opens doors to cross‑promotional opportunities.
Disney’s marketing machine can amplify the game’s visibility across multiple platforms, from streaming services to theme‑park tie‑ins, while Frontier’s expertise ensures that the final product meets the high standards expected by both gamers and Disney fans alike. This synergy could translate into higher sales figures, stronger brand loyalty, and a broader demographic reach, especially among younger audiences who grew up with Disney’s classic films and recent blockbuster franchises. Looking ahead, Frontier’s leadership remains confident that the Disney title will reinforce the company’s position as a leader in the CMS space. By delivering a game that blends the imaginative freedom of sandbox simulation with the timeless appeal of Disney’s characters and stories, Frontier aims to set a new benchmark for what can be achieved when a seasoned developer partners with a cultural powerhouse.
The studio’s commitment to releasing one premium CMS game per year, coupled with its focus on sustainable, evergreen franchises, suggests that the Disney collaboration is just the latest step in a long‑term strategy to dominate the simulation market. In summary, Frontier Developments is set to fund, develop, and publish a new Disney‑licensed creative‑management simulation game, leveraging its proven track record in the genre. The partnership aligns with Frontier’s strategic emphasis on high‑quality, evergreen titles, and follows a period of impressive financial growth driven largely by its CMS portfolio. With Disney’s iconic brand and Frontier’s simulation expertise joining forces, the upcoming title promises to deliver a richly detailed, community‑focused experience that could redefine the possibilities of themed‑park and creative‑management gaming for years to come.