Frontier Developments, the Cambridge‑based creator behind hit titles such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution, has officially signed a partnership with The Walt Disney Company to produce a brand‑new video game built around Disney’s extensive portfolio of characters and intellectual property. Under the terms of the agreement, Frontier will act as the sole financier, developer and publisher of the upcoming title, drawing upon its deep‑rooted experience in the creative‑management‑simulation (CMS) genre to shape a product that blends Disney’s iconic storytelling with the sandbox, design‑focused gameplay that fans of Frontier’s previous releases have come to expect. The announcement was made by Frontier’s chief executive officer, Jo Cooke, who expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration.
Cooke said, “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.” She added that the project aims to bring together a passionate community of creators and the timeless appeal of Disney’s beloved brands, and that the studio’s talented teams are eager to explore the creative possibilities this partnership unlocks. Frontier’s decision to focus on CMS titles is a relatively recent strategic shift. In 2023 the company publicly announced that it would concentrate its resources on the creative‑management‑simulation segment, citing the genre’s ability to generate “stronger and more predictable returns” compared with other types of games.
The move has paid off handsomely. In its most recent financial report, Frontier posted its second‑highest annual revenue on record, with earnings climbing 16 percent to £104.8 million. Operating profit surged 44 percent to £19 million, surpassing the previous record of £15.9 million set in fiscal year 2029. The firm attributed this growth largely to its “strategic focus” on CMS games, which now represent roughly 90 percent of the company’s total revenue for fiscal year 2026.
The new Disney‑themed project will be the latest addition to Frontier’s growing portfolio of evergreen franchises. The studio has indicated that it plans to release one major CMS title each year, a cadence that it believes will sustain long‑term, stable growth while allowing each game the time and resources needed to reach a high level of polish and depth. By handling both development and publishing in‑house, Frontier retains full creative control and a larger share of the financial upside, a model that has proven successful for its existing franchises. While details about the specific Disney property or gameplay mechanics remain under wraps, industry observers can make educated guesses based on Frontier’s previous work.
In Planet Coaster and Planet Zoo, players are given extensive tools to design, build, and manage complex amusement parks or wildlife sanctuaries, balancing aesthetics, guest satisfaction, and financial performance. Translating that formula to a Disney setting could involve constructing themed lands, curating attractions based on classic movies, managing character meet‑and‑greets, and perhaps even overseeing a virtual studio that produces animated content.
The CMS framework is flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of Disney experiences, from a magical kingdom inspired by classic fairy‑tale films to a futuristic adventure drawing on newer franchises. Frontier is also simultaneously developing an unannounced original Planet game that will expand its own intellectual property.
This parallel development effort underscores the studio’s commitment to diversifying its catalogue while still capitalising on the proven appeal of the CMS model. By juggling both an original title and a high‑profile Disney collaboration, Frontier hopes to attract a broad spectrum of players—from long‑time fans of its existing games to newcomers drawn by the Disney brand. Analysts note that the partnership could be mutually beneficial. Disney, which has been expanding its presence in the interactive entertainment market through ventures like Disney Magic Kingdom Online and the acquisition of game studios, gains a seasoned partner with a track record of delivering high‑quality simulation experiences.
Frontier, on the other hand, gains access to a treasure trove of characters, stories, and visual assets that can enrich its gameplay and broaden its audience reach. Looking ahead, Frontier’s leadership remains confident that the Disney‑based title will reinforce the company’s vision of delivering evergreen, high‑quality CMS experiences year after year. Cooke concluded, “Our mission with this game is to connect a passionate creative community of players with one of the world’s most iconic and beloved brands, and I can’t wait to see what our talented teams will create with this amazing opportunity.” The collaboration marks a significant milestone for both companies and sets the stage for what could become a landmark entry in the creative‑management‑simulation genre, blending the imaginative freedom of Frontier’s design tools with the timeless magic of Disney storytelling.