Frontier Developments, the Cambridge‑based creator behind hit franchises such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution, has sealed a partnership with The Walt Disney Company to produce a brand‑new video game built around 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, drawing upon its deep experience in the creative‑management simulation (CMS) genre to bring a fresh Disney‑themed experience to market.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for both parties. For Disney, it offers a proven, specialist studio the chance to translate some of its most beloved characters, stories and worlds into an interactive format that emphasizes player creativity, park‑building, and strategic management. For Frontier, the deal aligns perfectly with its long‑term vision of expanding its portfolio of evergreen CMS titles and cementing its reputation as a leader in the niche.
"We are thrilled to unveil this collaboration with Disney, which further solidifies our clearly articulated strategy of cultivating world‑class creative‑management simulation franchises," said Jo Cooke, Chief Executive Officer of Frontier Developments. Cooke added that the partnership will enable the studio to connect a passionate community of creators with one of the most iconic and cherished brands on the planet. "Our goal is to give players the tools to design, manage, and share their own Disney‑inspired experiences, and I’m eager to see what our talented teams will produce with this extraordinary opportunity." The new game will likely follow the formula that made Planet Coaster and Planet Zoo successes: a sandbox environment where players can design attractions, manage resources, and fine‑tune guest experiences, all while staying true to the thematic elements of the chosen Disney IP.
While the specific Disney franchise or mix of properties has not yet been disclosed, the studio hinted that the title will leverage the breadth of Disney’s catalog, potentially allowing players to build everything from classic fairy‑tale kingdoms to futuristic sci‑fi adventures. Frontier’s recent financial performance underscores why the company feels confident in taking on such an ambitious project. In its most recent fiscal year, the studio posted 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 company attributes this robust growth largely to its strategic emphasis on CMS games, a segment that now contributes roughly 90 % of its FY26 revenue. The shift toward a CMS‑centric portfolio began in 2023, when Frontier announced a deliberate move away from more volatile development models toward genres that deliver "stronger and more predictable returns." This pivot was driven by the desire to create sustainable, long‑term revenue streams through high‑quality, evergreen franchises that can be expanded with downloadable content, seasonal events, and community‑driven mods. The company’s roadmap now targets the release of one major CMS title each year, supported by ongoing updates and community engagement initiatives. In addition to the Disney collaboration, Frontier is also working on an as‑yet‑unnamed Planet‑branded game based on its own intellectual property, further illustrating the studio’s commitment to diversifying its CMS portfolio while staying within the creative‑management niche.
The dual focus on both licensed and original IP allows Frontier to balance the draw of well‑known brands with the creative freedom of proprietary worlds. Industry analysts have noted that the combination of Disney’s powerful brand equity and Frontier’s proven technical and design capabilities could produce a title with broad appeal, ranging from casual players drawn in by familiar characters to hardcore simulation enthusiasts seeking deep, strategic gameplay.
The synergy also positions the game well for cross‑platform releases, potentially spanning PC, consoles, and even cloud‑gaming services, thereby maximizing market reach. Looking ahead, Frontier’s leadership emphasizes that the Disney project is just one component of a larger vision to establish a sustainable pipeline of high‑quality CMS experiences. By delivering a new title each year and supporting each with regular content updates, the studio aims to foster a loyal player base that invests both time and money over the long term. This approach mirrors successful models seen in other long‑running simulation franchises, where community‑generated content and ongoing developer support keep the games relevant for many years.
In summary, Frontier Developments’ agreement with Disney represents a strategic alignment of two industry powerhouses: Disney’s unmatched storytelling and character library, and Frontier’s expertise in building intricate, player‑driven simulation worlds. With solid financial footing, a clear focus on CMS games, and a track record of delivering beloved titles, Frontier is well‑positioned to create a Disney‑themed experience that resonates with both existing fans of the studio’s work and newcomers drawn by the magic of Disney. The partnership promises to expand the creative horizons of simulation gaming while delivering a fresh, immersive way for players to interact with some of the world’s most treasured stories.