Frontier Developments has secured a partnership with Disney to produce a brand‑new video game that will draw on Disney's extensive portfolio of intellectual property. Under the terms of the agreement, Frontier will act as the sole financier, developer and publisher of the project, applying the studio's deep experience 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 critically acclaimed simulation franchises such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution. In addition to those established series, Frontier is currently working on an as‑yet‑unnamed Planet title that will be built around its own proprietary intellectual property.
The new Disney collaboration therefore represents the latest addition to a growing slate of simulation‑focused games that the company has been rolling out over the past few years. "We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Disney, which further reinforces our clearly defined strategy of developing and nurturing world‑class creative‑management simulation game franchises," said Jo Cooke, CEO of Frontier Developments.
Cooke added that the studio’s aim with the upcoming Disney title is to "connect a passionate creative community of players with one of the world’s most iconic and beloved brands" and expressed confidence that the company’s talented teams will deliver an experience that lives up to the high expectations of both Disney fans and simulation enthusiasts. Frontier's financial performance has been on an upward trajectory, with the most recent fiscal year delivering the second‑highest revenue in the company's history.
Revenue grew 16% year‑on‑year to £104.8 million, while operating profit surged 44% to £19 million, surpassing the previous record of £15.9 million set in FY29. The company attributes this strong performance largely to its strategic emphasis on CMS titles, which now account for roughly 90% of total revenue for FY26. The shift toward a CMS‑centric portfolio began in 2023, when Frontier announced that it would concentrate its development resources on games that offer "stronger and more predictable returns" compared with other genres.
The rationale behind the move was to build a stable pipeline of evergreen franchises that can generate sustained income over many years, rather than relying on one‑off blockbuster releases. To that end, Frontier has committed to releasing roughly one CMS title each year, a cadence that allows the studio to refine its design processes, deepen community engagement and continuously expand the breadth of its game worlds.
By partnering with Disney, Frontier hopes to leverage the timeless appeal of Disney characters, stories and settings to attract a broader audience to its simulation platform. The collaboration is expected to blend Disney's narrative richness with Frontier's sandbox‑style gameplay, giving players the tools to design, manage and share their own Disney‑themed attractions, parks, or adventures. While specific details about the game's mechanics remain under wraps, industry observers anticipate that the title will follow the formula that made Planet Coaster and Planet Zoo successes: a robust creation suite, detailed simulation of guest behavior, and extensive modding and sharing capabilities that empower a vibrant player‑generated content ecosystem.
In addition to the core gameplay loop, Frontier plans to integrate live‑service elements that will keep the experience fresh long after launch. Seasonal events tied to Disney holidays, limited‑time challenges featuring iconic characters, and regular content updates are all on the roadmap.
These features are designed to encourage repeat play, foster a loyal community, and create additional revenue streams through optional cosmetic purchases and expansion packs. The partnership also signals a broader trend in the gaming industry where major entertainment brands are seeking to extend their reach into interactive media through collaborations with specialist developers.
For Disney, working with a studio that has a proven track record in the CMS space offers a low‑risk avenue to explore new digital experiences without diverting internal resources away from its core film and television operations. For Frontier, the Disney license provides a massive boost to brand visibility and the potential to tap into a global fan base that may not have previously engaged with simulation games. Looking ahead, Frontier's leadership remains focused on its long‑term growth strategy, which emphasizes high‑quality, evergreen franchises that can deliver consistent earnings.
The company believes that by delivering one polished CMS title each year and supporting each with ongoing updates and community tools, it can achieve sustainable profitability while continuing to innovate within the genre. In summary, Frontier Developments' new Disney‑based project represents a convergence of two powerful creative forces: Disney's storied storytelling and Frontier's expertise in building deep, player‑driven simulation experiences.
The collaboration is poised to expand the appeal of the CMS genre, introduce fresh content to both Disney enthusiasts and simulation fans, and reinforce Frontier's position as a leading developer of evergreen, high‑engagement games.