Frontier Developments has secured 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 financier, developer, and publisher of the project, applying the expertise it has honed over years of delivering successful titles in the creative‑management simulation (CMS) genre. The Cambridge‑based developer is best known for creating immersive simulation experiences such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo, and Jurassic World Evolution.
Those games have earned a reputation for blending deep management mechanics with rich, visually appealing worlds that encourage players to design, build, and curate their own attractions or ecosystems. In addition to those established franchises, Frontier is also working on a yet‑to‑be‑revealed Planet 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, CEO 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 reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry where developers with proven capabilities in niche genres are being courted by major entertainment brands seeking to extend their reach into interactive media. By handing the project to Frontier, Disney is betting on the studio’s ability to translate the magic of its stories into a sandbox‑style experience where players can design their own Disney‑themed parks, manage attractions, and tell original narratives within the familiar universe. Financially, Frontier has been on an upward trajectory.
The company recently disclosed that it achieved its second‑highest annual revenue to date, with sales climbing 16 % to £104.8 million. Operating profit also surged, rising 44 % to £19 million—surpassing the previous record of £15.9 million recorded in fiscal year 2029. Frontier attributes this strong performance to its deliberate "strategic focus" on CMS games, a segment that now represents roughly 90 % of its total revenue for fiscal year 2026.
The shift toward CMS titles began in 2023, when Frontier’s leadership concluded that the genre offered "stronger and more predictable returns" compared with other types of games. This decision was driven by the observation that simulation games tend to have longer lifespans, higher player retention, and more opportunities for post‑launch monetisation through expansions, downloadable content, and community‑driven creations.
By concentrating resources on a single CMS project each year, Frontier aims to maintain a steady pipeline of high‑quality, evergreen franchises that can sustain long‑term growth. Looking ahead, the Disney‑based project is expected to follow the same development philosophy. The studio plans to release one major CMS title annually, each supported by regular updates, seasonal events, and community tools that empower players to share their creations.
By leveraging Disney’s vast library of characters—from classic animated figures to contemporary Marvel and Star Wars heroes—Frontier hopes to attract a diverse audience that includes both longtime simulation fans and newcomers drawn by the Disney brand. In practice, the game will likely feature a robust editor that lets players construct theme‑park attractions, design story‑driven rides, and manage the operational aspects of running a Disney‑themed entertainment complex. Players may be able to curate character meet‑and‑greets, schedule performances, and balance guest satisfaction against financial constraints. The depth of Disney’s IP provides ample material for themed zones, special events, and narrative quests, giving developers a rich palette from which to craft unique gameplay experiences.
Beyond the core gameplay loop, Frontier intends to foster a vibrant online community. Past titles such as Planet Coaster have demonstrated the value of user‑generated content, with players sharing custom rides, scenery packs, and entire park layouts. By integrating similar sharing tools and possibly introducing a marketplace for fan‑made assets, the Disney title could become a living ecosystem where creativity flourishes and the community continuously expands the game’s content. From a business perspective, the collaboration aligns with Frontier’s goal of delivering "one CMS title per year" while ensuring each release is supported by a sustainable revenue model.
The Disney partnership not only adds a high‑profile IP to the studio’s portfolio but also opens up cross‑promotional opportunities across Disney’s broader media ecosystem, potentially driving additional sales through synergy with movies, TV shows, and merchandise. In summary, Frontier Developments is set to combine its proven simulation expertise with the timeless appeal of Disney’s characters and stories. The upcoming game promises to offer players an unprecedented level of creative freedom within a beloved universe, while reinforcing Frontier’s strategic emphasis on high‑quality, evergreen CMS franchises that deliver consistent financial performance and long‑lasting player engagement.