Frontier Developments has secured a partnership with The Walt Disney Company to produce a brand‑new video game that will draw upon Disney’s extensive catalogue of characters, stories and intellectual property. Under this agreement, Frontier will act as the sole financier, 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 is best known for its acclaimed simulation franchises such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution, each of which has set industry benchmarks for player‑driven creativity and detailed management mechanics. In addition to these titles, Frontier is currently working on an undisclosed new Planet game that will be built around its own original intellectual property, further expanding its portfolio of immersive simulation experiences.
"We are thrilled to announce this collaboration with Disney," said Jo Cooke, Chief Executive Officer of Frontier Developments. "It aligns perfectly with our clearly articulated strategy of cultivating world‑class creative‑management simulation franchises.
By partnering with one of the most beloved and globally recognized 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 achieve with this extraordinary opportunity." The announcement comes on the heels of Frontier’s most successful financial year to date. The company reported its second‑highest annual revenue, climbing 16 percent to £104.8 million, while operating profit surged 44 percent to £19 million—surpassing the previous record of £15.9 million set in fiscal year 2029. Frontier attributes this robust performance to its strategic emphasis on CMS titles, which now generate roughly 90 percent of the firm’s total revenue for fiscal year 2026.
Frontier’s pivot toward the CMS market began in 2023, when senior leadership identified the genre as offering "stronger and more predictable returns" compared with other types of games. The company’s roadmap now targets the release of a single, high‑quality CMS title each year, a cadence designed to sustain long‑term growth and nurture evergreen franchises that retain player interest over many years.
This disciplined approach has allowed Frontier to invest heavily in the tools, talent and technology required to deliver deep, sandbox‑style experiences where players can design, build and manage complex virtual worlds. The forthcoming Disney‑themed game is expected to follow the same design philosophy. While specific details remain under wraps, the project will likely enable players to construct and operate their own Disney‑inspired parks, resorts or storytelling environments, blending the creative freedom of Planet Coaster with the iconic characters and settings that have defined Disney’s legacy for nearly a century.
By leveraging Frontier’s proven simulation engine, the title should offer granular control over everything from ride design and guest satisfaction to thematic storytelling and brand‑consistent aesthetics. Industry analysts view the partnership as a mutually beneficial alignment of strengths.
Disney gains a seasoned development partner with a track record of delivering polished, content‑rich simulation games, while Frontier secures a globally recognizable license that can attract a broader audience beyond its existing fan base. The synergy is expected to amplify both companies’ market reach, potentially opening new revenue streams through downloadable content, seasonal events and cross‑platform integrations. Looking ahead, Frontier’s leadership remains confident that the Disney collaboration will reinforce the company’s growth trajectory. The firm continues to prioritize sustainable expansion, investing profits back into research and development to keep its simulation technology at the cutting edge.
By maintaining a pipeline of yearly releases, Frontier aims to keep its community engaged, deliver fresh content regularly, and capitalize on the evergreen nature of its game franchises. In summary, Frontier Developments’ new venture with Disney represents a strategic leap forward for both parties. The studio will finance, create and publish the game, drawing upon its expertise in the creative‑management simulation space to craft an experience that honors Disney’s storied heritage while offering players unprecedented creative control.
With strong financial results, a clear focus on CMS titles and a commitment to delivering one flagship game per year, Frontier is well‑positioned to make this Disney‑based title a landmark addition to its growing portfolio of beloved simulation franchises.