Frontier Developments has struck a partnership with The Walt Disney Company to produce a fresh video‑game title that will draw on Disney’s extensive portfolio of beloved characters and settings. Under the agreement, Frontier will act as the sole financier, developer and publisher of the project, applying the studio’s deep‑rooted knowledge of creative‑management simulation (CMS) games to bring the Disney universe to life in an interactive format. Based in Cambridge, England, Frontier is best known for its critically acclaimed simulation franchises such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution.
The company is also quietly working on an original Planet‑branded title that will expand its own intellectual property. The new Disney‑themed game will therefore be the latest addition to a line‑up that already showcases the studio’s talent for turning complex management mechanics into accessible, visually striking experiences. "We are thrilled to announce this collaboration with Disney," said Jo Cooke, Chief Executive Officer of Frontier Developments.
"It fits perfectly with our clearly articulated strategy of building and nurturing world‑class creative‑management simulation franchises. By partnering with one of the most iconic and cherished brands on the planet, we aim to connect a passionate community of creators with a universe that has inspired generations.
I am eager to see the innovative ideas our talented teams will bring to life with this extraordinary opportunity." The announcement comes on the heels of a strong financial performance for Frontier. In its most recent fiscal year the company posted its second‑highest annual revenue on record, climbing 16 percent to £104.8 million. Operating profit surged 44 percent to £19 million, surpassing the previous peak of £15.9 million recorded in FY29.
Frontier attributes this impressive growth to a deliberate "strategic focus" on CMS titles, a genre that now accounts for roughly 90 percent of the firm’s FY26 revenue. Frontier’s pivot toward CMS games began in 2023, when the leadership team concluded that the genre offered "stronger and more predictable returns" compared with other segments of the gaming market.
The studio’s roadmap now targets the release of a single, high‑quality CMS title each year, with the aim of cultivating long‑term, sustainable growth through evergreen franchises that retain player interest over extended periods. The upcoming Disney‑based project is expected to follow the same design philosophy. Players will likely be given tools to build, manage, and customise attractions, parks, or themed experiences that incorporate classic Disney characters, stories, and aesthetics.
By leveraging Frontier’s proven engine for creating detailed, user‑friendly building systems, the game should enable both casual fans and hardcore simulation enthusiasts to craft their own magical worlds. Industry observers note that the collaboration could serve as a blueprint for future partnerships between major entertainment licensors and specialist developers. Disney, which has historically worked with a variety of studios to adapt its properties for interactive media, appears to be seeking a partner that can deliver a polished, content‑rich simulation rather than a traditional action‑oriented title.
Frontier’s track record—particularly the success of Planet Coaster, which has sold millions of copies and fostered a vibrant modding community—makes it a logical choice for such an undertaking. From a business perspective, the deal aligns with Frontier’s ambition to diversify its revenue streams while staying within its core competency.
By handling funding, development and publishing in‑house, the studio retains full creative control and a larger share of the profits. At the same time, the Disney brand promises to attract a broad audience, potentially driving higher sales volumes and increased in‑game monetisation opportunities, such as downloadable content, seasonal events, and cosmetic upgrades. Looking ahead, Frontier plans to continue releasing one flagship CMS title per calendar year, each designed to build upon the lessons learned from previous releases.
The company’s long‑term vision emphasizes "high‑quality, evergreen game franchises" that can evolve with player feedback, receive regular updates, and sustain active communities for many years. The Disney collaboration is expected to be a cornerstone of this strategy, offering a high‑visibility entry point for new players while reinforcing Frontier’s reputation as a leader in the simulation space. In summary, Frontier Developments has secured a landmark agreement with Disney to develop a new creative‑management simulation game that will blend the studio’s technical expertise with the timeless appeal of Disney’s intellectual property. The partnership is poised to capitalize on Frontier’s recent financial momentum, its strategic shift toward CMS titles, and the enduring popularity of Disney’s characters and stories.
Fans of park‑building, animal‑zoo, and theme‑park simulations can look forward to a fresh experience that promises both the familiar joy of managing a virtual world and the magic of Disney’s storytelling heritage.