Frontier Developments has sealed a partnership with The Walt Disney Company to produce a brand‑new video game that will draw upon Disney’s extensive catalogue of characters, stories, and intellectual property. Under the terms of the agreement, Frontier will act as the sole financer, developer, and publisher of the title, applying the studio’s deep experience in the creative‑management simulation (CMS) genre to bring a fresh Disney experience to players worldwide. Founded in Cambridge, England, Frontier has built a reputation for delivering high‑quality simulation experiences through its flagship series such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo, and Jurassic World Evolution.
The studio is also quietly working on an as‑yet‑unnamed Planet game that will be based on its own original intellectual property. The new Disney‑themed project will join this growing portfolio, expanding Frontier’s reach into one of the most recognizable entertainment brands on the planet. "We are thrilled to announce this collaboration with Disney, which further reinforces our clearly defined strategy of developing and nurturing world‑class creative‑management simulation game franchises," said Jo Cooke, Chief Executive Officer of Frontier Developments. Cooke added that the partnership represents an opportunity 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 announcement comes on the heels of a strong financial performance for Frontier.
In its most recent fiscal year, the company posted its second‑highest annual revenue on record, with sales climbing 16 % to £104.8 million. Operating profit surged 44 % to £19 million, surpassing the previous peak of £15.9 million recorded in FY29. Frontier attributes this impressive growth to its strategic emphasis on CMS titles, which now generate roughly 90 % of the company’s total revenue for FY26.
Frontier’s pivot toward the CMS segment began in 2023, when the leadership team decided to concentrate resources on a genre that offers "stronger and more predictable returns" compared with other types of games. The studio’s long‑term plan is to release one major CMS title each year, fostering "long‑term, sustainable growth through high‑quality, evergreen game franchises." By focusing on evergreen experiences—games that remain relevant and engaging long after launch—Frontier aims to build a stable revenue base while continually delivering fresh content to its fan base.
The upcoming Disney‑based game will likely follow the same design philosophy that has made Planet Coaster and Planet Zoo successes. Those titles empower players to design, build, and manage their own amusement parks or wildlife sanctuaries, blending intricate simulation mechanics with a strong creative sandbox element.
By applying that formula to Disney’s vast universe—whether that means constructing a magical kingdom inspired by classic animated films, curating a themed resort based on Marvel superheroes, or managing a bustling Star Wars spaceport—Frontier hopes to give players unprecedented freedom to shape their own Disney experiences. Industry observers note that the collaboration could also serve as a testbed for new gameplay innovations. Disney’s extensive library of characters and settings offers a wealth of narrative possibilities, and Frontier’s expertise in user‑generated content could enable players to craft custom attractions, storylines, and events that align with Disney’s brand standards while still feeling personal and unique.
Moreover, the partnership may open doors for cross‑media integration, such as tying in‑game achievements to Disney’s streaming platforms, theme park promotions, or merchandise lines. From a business perspective, the deal aligns with Frontier’s goal of diversifying its revenue streams while staying within its core competency. By handling funding, development, and publishing internally, the studio retains full creative control and a larger share of the profits, while Disney benefits from a partner that already understands how to translate beloved IP into engaging, replayable simulation experiences.
The announcement has generated excitement among fans of both Frontier’s previous titles and Disney enthusiasts eager for a new way to interact with their favorite franchises. Social media chatter highlights hopes for a game that balances the whimsical charm of Disney with the strategic depth that simulation fans have come to expect. Some community members are already speculating about which Disney worlds might be featured first—options range from classic fairy‑tale castles to futuristic sci‑fi settings, each offering distinct design challenges and aesthetic opportunities.
Looking ahead, Frontier plans to maintain its cadence of releasing one CMS title per year, meaning the Disney project could launch within the next 12 to 18 months, depending on development milestones and Disney’s brand‑approval processes. The studio has indicated that it will continue to support its existing franchises with regular updates, downloadable content, and community events, ensuring that the new Disney title will join a robust ecosystem rather than replace any existing products. In summary, Frontier Developments’ new partnership with Disney represents a strategic expansion of its creative‑management simulation portfolio, leveraging the studio’s proven track record and Disney’s iconic intellectual property to deliver a fresh, immersive experience for gamers worldwide. With strong financial backing, a clear focus on evergreen game design, and a commitment to annual releases, Frontier is well‑positioned to make this Disney‑themed project a flagship title in its growing library of simulation games.