Frontier Developments has signed a partnership with The Walt Disney Company to produce a brand‑new video game that will draw upon 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‑rooted knowledge of the creative management simulation (CMS) genre to bring a fresh Disney experience to life.
The Cambridge‑based developer, best known for hits such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution, is already busy working on an undisclosed Planet title that will feature its own original intellectual property. The new Disney‑focused game will be the latest addition to Frontier’s growing catalogue of simulation‑style experiences, and it marks the first time the company has teamed up directly with Disney to build a game around the entertainment giant’s beloved characters and worlds.
"We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Disney, which further cements our clearly articulated strategy of building and nurturing world‑class creative management simulation franchises," said Jo Cooke, Chief Executive Officer of Frontier Developments. "Our aim with this project is to unite a passionate community of creators and builders with one of the most iconic and cherished brands on the planet. I am eager to see what our talented teams will achieve with this extraordinary opportunity." Frontier’s recent financial results provide a solid backdrop for the new venture. The company disclosed that it has just posted its second‑highest annual revenue to date, with a 16 % increase that lifted total earnings to £104.8 million.
Operating profit surged by 44 % to £19 million, surpassing the previous record of £15.9 million set in fiscal year 2029. Executives attribute this strong performance to a deliberate "strategic focus" on CMS titles, a segment that now generates roughly 90 % of the firm’s revenue for the 2026 fiscal year.
The decision to double‑down on creative management simulations was announced in 2023, when Frontier’s leadership concluded that the genre offered "stronger and more predictable returns" compared with other types of games. Since then, the studio has adopted a disciplined release cadence, targeting the launch of one flagship CMS title each year.
This approach is designed to foster "long‑term, sustainable growth through high‑quality, evergreen game franchises," according to company statements. The upcoming Disney‑themed game is expected to follow the same design philosophy that has made Planet Coaster and Planet Zoo successes: deep customization tools, robust community sharing features, and a sandbox environment that encourages players to design, build and manage their own virtual experiences. While official details about the specific Disney properties that will be featured remain under wraps, industry observers speculate that the game could incorporate classic theme‑park attractions, iconic characters from Disney animation, or even elements from the Marvel and Star Wars universes, all of which fall under Disney’s expansive IP umbrella. From a development perspective, Frontier will leverage its proprietary game engine and its seasoned teams of artists, designers and programmers who have honed their craft on previous CMS projects.
The studio’s experience in handling large‑scale simulation systems—such as the intricate ride‑design mechanics in Planet Coaster and the complex animal‑care ecosystems in Planet Zoo—should translate well to the challenges of recreating Disney’s magical environments in an interactive format. Community engagement will also play a pivotal role. Frontier has cultivated a vibrant modding and sharing community around its existing titles, providing players with the ability to upload custom creations, download community‑made content, and collaborate on large projects.
The Disney game is likely to integrate similar features, allowing fans to craft their own Disney‑themed attractions, design bespoke storylines, and share their work with a global audience. This user‑generated content pipeline not only extends the lifespan of the game but also aligns with Disney’s own emphasis on fan participation and storytelling. Financially, the partnership is expected to be mutually beneficial. Disney gains a seasoned development partner capable of delivering a high‑quality simulation experience without the need to allocate internal resources to core game development, while Frontier secures a marquee license that could attract a broader demographic of players beyond its existing fan base.
The collaboration also positions Frontier to tap into Disney’s massive marketing reach, potentially driving higher sales volumes and increased brand visibility. Looking ahead, Frontier’s roadmap suggests that the Disney title will join a lineup of annual CMS releases, each aimed at expanding the studio’s portfolio of evergreen franchises. By maintaining a steady cadence of releases, the company hopes to sustain revenue growth while mitigating the risks associated with one‑off blockbuster launches.
The Disney project, with its built‑in audience appeal and the studio’s proven execution capabilities, appears poised to become a cornerstone of this strategy. In summary, Frontier Developments’ new agreement with Disney marks a significant milestone for both companies. It blends Frontier’s expertise in creative management simulation with Disney’s timeless characters and worlds, promising a game that will empower players to design, manage, and share their own magical experiences. With strong financial fundamentals, a clear strategic focus on CMS titles, and a commitment to delivering one high‑quality game per year, Frontier is well‑positioned to make this Disney collaboration a landmark success in the simulation genre.