Frontier Developments, the Cambridge‑based creator behind hit franchises such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution, has officially announced a partnership with The Walt Disney Company to produce a brand‑new game built around Disney's extensive portfolio of intellectual property. Under the terms of the agreement, Frontier will act as the sole financer, developer and publisher of the project, drawing upon its deep experience in the creative‑management simulation (CMS) genre to bring a fresh, interactive Disney experience to life.
The collaboration marks a significant milestone for both companies. For Disney, it offers a proven video‑game partner capable of translating beloved characters, stories and worlds into a sandbox‑style simulation that lets players design, manage and share their own creations. For Frontier, the deal aligns perfectly with its long‑standing strategic focus on CMS titles—a focus that has already driven impressive financial results and positioned the studio as a leader in the niche.
"We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Disney, which further cements our clearly defined strategy of cultivating world‑class creative‑management simulation franchises," said Jo Cooke, CEO of Frontier Developments. Cooke added that the studio’s mission with the new game is to bridge a passionate community of creators with one of the most iconic and beloved brands on the planet.
"I can't wait to see what our talented teams will build with this amazing opportunity," she said. Frontier’s recent financial report underscores why the studio is confident in expanding its portfolio with a Disney‑themed title. The company posted its second‑highest annual revenue to date, climbing 16 % to £104.8 million, while operating profit surged 44 % to £19 million—surpassing the previous record of £15.9 million set in fiscal year 2029.
The growth was attributed largely to the studio’s "strategic focus" on CMS games, which now account for roughly 90 % of its FY26 revenue. The decision to double‑down on CMS games began in 2023, when Frontier announced a shift away from more volatile genres toward titles that deliver "stronger and more predictable returns." The company outlined a clear roadmap: release one high‑quality CMS title each year and nurture those games into evergreen franchises that provide long‑term, sustainable growth. This approach has already paid dividends, as evidenced by the robust financial performance and the enthusiastic reception of titles like Planet Coaster and Planet Zoo.
The upcoming Disney‑based game will likely follow the same formula that has proven successful for Frontier’s existing portfolio. Players can expect a richly detailed simulation environment where they can design theme parks, manage attractions, and craft immersive experiences using Disney characters, settings, and storylines.
The CMS framework will enable deep customization, allowing fans to recreate classic Disney moments or invent entirely new adventures that blend the magic of Disney with the creative freedom that Frontier’s engines provide. While specific details about the game’s mechanics, release window, or which Disney properties will be featured remain under wraps, industry observers anticipate that Frontier will leverage its proprietary technology to deliver stunning visuals, intuitive building tools, and robust community features. The studio’s track record suggests that multiplayer and sharing capabilities will be integral, encouraging players to showcase their creations, collaborate on large‑scale projects, and compete in friendly challenges.
In addition to the flagship Disney title, Frontier continues to work on an unannounced Planet game based on its own intellectual property, indicating that the studio is not abandoning its original franchises. This parallel development pipeline demonstrates Frontier’s confidence in managing multiple large‑scale projects simultaneously—a confidence bolstered by its recent financial health and strategic clarity. The partnership also reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry where major entertainment brands are seeking deeper engagement with fans through interactive experiences.
By entrusting a specialist like Frontier with the development of a Disney‑centric simulation, Disney ensures that the final product will be both authentic to its brand and innovative in gameplay. Looking ahead, Frontier’s commitment to delivering one CMS title per year suggests that the Disney game could be slated for release within the next 12‑18 months, fitting neatly into the studio’s annual launch cadence.
This timeline would give the development team ample opportunity to iterate on core systems, integrate Disney’s extensive asset library, and conduct thorough testing to meet the high expectations of both Disney fans and simulation enthusiasts. Overall, the announcement signals a promising convergence of creative talent, technical expertise, and iconic storytelling.
Frontier Developments is poised to harness its CMS mastery to craft a game that not only celebrates Disney’s legacy but also empowers players to become creators in their own right. As the project progresses, the gaming community will be watching closely to see how this collaboration reshapes the landscape of simulation games and sets a new benchmark for brand‑driven interactive entertainment.