Frontier Developments, the Cambridge‑based developer best known for hits such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution, has signed a partnership with The Walt Disney Company to produce a brand‑new game that will draw on Disney's extensive portfolio of intellectual property. Under 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 a fresh Disney experience to life.
The collaboration marks a significant milestone for both parties. For Disney, it offers an opportunity to extend its beloved characters and worlds into a genre that emphasizes player creativity, park‑building, and strategic oversight—areas where Disney’s storytelling heritage can shine. For Frontier, the deal aligns perfectly with its long‑term vision of building and nurturing world‑class CMS franchises that combine high production values with robust, player‑driven content ecosystems.
"We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Disney," said Jo Cooke, Chief Executive Officer of Frontier Developments. "It reinforces the clear strategic direction we have set for ourselves: to develop and grow premium creative‑management simulation franchises that resonate with passionate communities. By marrying Disney's iconic brand with our expertise, we aim to create a game that will inspire and engage players around the globe." Cooke added that the studio’s mission with the upcoming title is to "connect a dedicated community of creators with one of the world’s most beloved and recognizable brands," and expressed confidence that Frontier’s talented teams will deliver an experience that lives up to both the Disney legacy and the high expectations of the CMS audience.
Financially, Frontier has been on an upward trajectory. In its most recent fiscal year the company reported its second‑highest annual revenue on record, climbing 16 % to £104.8 million.
Operating profit surged 44 % to £19 million, surpassing the previous peak of £15.9 million recorded in FY29. The studio attributes much of this success to its strategic emphasis on CMS titles, which now generate roughly 90 % of its total revenue. The shift toward CMS games began in 2023, when Frontier’s leadership concluded that the genre offered "stronger and more predictable returns" compared with other segments of the gaming market. This decision has been reinforced by the consistent performance of the Planet series and Jurassic World Evolution, both of which have cultivated dedicated fan bases and generated recurring revenue through downloadable content, expansions, and live‑service updates.
Looking ahead, Frontier has outlined an ambitious roadmap that centers on releasing "one CMS title per year" while supporting "long‑term, sustainable growth through high‑quality, evergreen game franchises." The Disney‑based project will be the flagship of this plan, serving as both a showcase of the studio’s technical capabilities and a testbed for new gameplay systems that could be leveraged across future titles. Beyond the core gameplay loop of designing, building, and managing a Disney‑themed park or experience, the new game is expected to incorporate deep narrative elements, character interactions, and seasonal events that reflect Disney’s storytelling prowess.
Players will likely have access to a wide array of iconic characters, attractions, and settings—from classic animated films to contemporary franchises—allowing them to craft unique, personalized experiences that can be shared with friends and the broader community. Frontier’s expertise in creating detailed, highly customizable simulation environments will be crucial in translating Disney’s rich visual style into an interactive medium. The studio’s previous work on Planet Coaster demonstrated its ability to deliver sophisticated building tools, realistic physics, and vibrant aesthetics, all of which will be essential in faithfully recreating the magic of Disney’s worlds.
In addition to the core single‑player experience, the company has hinted at robust multiplayer and community‑driven features. These may include cooperative park‑building, competitive challenges, and a marketplace where creators can trade designs, rides, and decorative assets. Such features align with Frontier’s broader strategy of fostering evergreen ecosystems that keep players engaged long after the initial launch. The announcement also signals a broader trend within the gaming industry, where legacy entertainment brands are increasingly seeking partnerships with specialized developers to reach new audiences.
By entrusting the development to a studio with a proven track record in a complementary genre, Disney can ensure that its IP is handled with the care and creativity it deserves, while Frontier benefits from the immense brand equity and fan enthusiasm that Disney commands. Overall, the partnership between Frontier Developments and Disney represents a convergence of two industry powerhouses, each bringing distinct strengths to the table. With Frontier’s proven CMS pedigree and Disney’s timeless characters and stories, the forthcoming title promises to deliver a compelling, immersive experience that will appeal to both simulation enthusiasts and Disney fans alike. The game is slated for release in the coming years, and anticipation is already building among gamers eager to see how this unique collaboration will reshape the landscape of creative‑management simulation gaming.