Frontier Developments has struck a partnership with The Walt Disney Company to produce a brand‑new video game that will draw on 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 project, applying the studio’s deep knowledge of the creative‑management simulation (CMS) genre to bring a fresh Disney‑themed experience to market.
The Cambridge‑based developer is best known for its hit simulation franchises such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution, each of which has earned a reputation for combining detailed design tools with accessible gameplay. In addition to those established series, Frontier is currently working on a secret Planet‑branded title that will be built around its own original intellectual property. "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. "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 partnership marks a significant milestone for Frontier, which has been steadily expanding its financial and creative footprint.
In its most recent fiscal year the company posted its second‑highest annual revenue on record, with sales climbing 16 percent to £104.8 million. Operating profit also surged, rising 44 percent to £19 million—surpassing the previous peak of £15.9 million recorded in FY29.
Frontier attributes this strong performance largely to its strategic emphasis on CMS titles, a segment that now represents roughly 90 percent of the company’s total revenue for FY26. Frontier’s shift toward the CMS market began in 2023, when the leadership team decided to concentrate resources on a genre that delivers "stronger and more predictable returns" compared with other types of games. The studio’s long‑term plan is to release one high‑quality CMS title each year, building a portfolio of evergreen franchises that can generate sustainable growth over time.
By focusing on deep, replayable systems and robust community tools, Frontier aims to keep players engaged for years after launch, while also attracting new audiences through regular content updates and expansions. The upcoming Disney‑based game is expected to follow this formula. While specific details about the setting, gameplay mechanics, or which Disney properties will be featured remain under wraps, the collaboration suggests a blend of Frontier’s hallmark sandbox creativity with Disney’s rich narrative universe.
Players may be given the ability to design and manage their own theme parks, resorts, or adventure worlds populated by beloved characters, all while balancing financial, operational and aesthetic considerations—a hallmark of the CMS genre. Industry observers anticipate that the Disney partnership could open doors to cross‑media opportunities, such as in‑game events tied to new movie releases, exclusive character skins, or limited‑time story missions that align with Disney’s broader entertainment calendar. Such synergy would not only deepen player immersion but also provide Frontier with a steady stream of fresh content to keep the community active and invested.
From a business perspective, the deal underscores Frontier’s confidence in its ability to handle large‑scale licensed projects. By retaining full publishing rights, the studio can control pricing, distribution and post‑launch support, ensuring that revenue flows directly back into further development and community initiatives. Moreover, the financial backing from Disney—though not explicitly disclosed—likely offers a safety net that reduces risk while allowing Frontier to allocate more resources toward innovation and polish.
The announcement arrives at a time when the global video‑game market continues to grow, with simulation titles enjoying particular popularity among both casual and hardcore gamers. Frontier’s proven track record—evidenced by the commercial success of Planet Coaster, which has sold millions of copies worldwide, and Planet Zoo, which has cultivated a vibrant modding community—positions the studio well to meet the high expectations that come with a Disney license. Looking ahead, Frontier plans to continue its cadence of releasing a flagship CMS title each year, supplementing each launch with regular updates, downloadable content packs, and community‑driven enhancements. The Disney project is slated to be the next entry in this pipeline, and the company has hinted that development is already well underway, with early prototypes and concept art being refined by internal teams.
In summary, Frontier Developments’ new venture with Disney represents a strategic convergence of two industry powerhouses: a studio renowned for its sophisticated simulation engines and a media conglomerate with an unrivaled library of beloved characters and stories. By leveraging its expertise in creative‑management gameplay and its commitment to delivering evergreen, high‑quality experiences, Frontier aims to create a game that not only delights Disney fans but also expands the horizons of the CMS genre. The partnership is expected to generate excitement among gamers, investors and Disney enthusiasts alike, setting the stage for a landmark release that could redefine how licensed properties are integrated into simulation gaming.