Frontier Developments has officially announced a partnership with The Walt Disney Company to produce a brand‑new video game that will draw on Disney's extensive portfolio 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‑rooted experience in the creative‑management simulation (CMS) genre to bring the Disney universe to life in an interactive format.
Based in Cambridge, England, Frontier is best known for its highly acclaimed simulation franchises such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo, and Jurassic World Evolution. The company has also been quietly working on a new, unannounced Planet‑themed title that will be built around its own original intellectual property. The Disney collaboration marks a significant expansion of the studio’s portfolio, allowing it to blend its proven simulation mechanics with the magical storytelling and iconic characters that Disney fans have cherished for generations.
"We are thrilled to reveal this partnership with Disney, which perfectly aligns with our long‑term vision of cultivating world‑class creative‑management simulation franchises," said Jo Cooke, Chief Executive Officer of Frontier Developments. "Our goal with this project is to unite a passionate community of creators and builders with one of the most beloved and globally recognized brands. I am eager to see the imaginative experiences our talented teams will craft using this extraordinary opportunity." The announcement arrives 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 robust growth to its strategic emphasis on CMS titles, which now represent roughly 90 % of the company's total revenue for FY26. Frontier’s pivot toward the CMS market began in 2023, when the leadership team concluded that simulation games offered "stronger and more predictable returns" compared with other genres.
Since that shift, the studio has adhered to a disciplined development cadence, aiming to launch one flagship CMS title each year. This approach is designed to foster "long‑term, sustainable growth through high‑quality, evergreen game franchises," according to the company’s public statements.
The upcoming Disney‑themed game is expected to follow the same design philosophy that has made Planet Coaster and Planet Zoo successes. Players will likely be given a sandbox environment where they can design, manage, and customize attractions, parks, or experiences inspired by Disney’s classic films, animated series, and theme‑park attractions. By leveraging Disney's rich catalog of characters—from Mickey Mouse and the Disney Princesses to the Marvel and Star Wars universes—Frontier hopes to deliver a deeply immersive experience that encourages creativity, strategic planning, and community sharing. While specific gameplay details remain under wraps, industry observers anticipate that the title will incorporate familiar CMS mechanics such as resource management, guest satisfaction metrics, and modular building tools, all wrapped in a vibrant, family‑friendly aesthetic.
The collaboration also opens the door for potential cross‑platform integration, allowing players to share creations across consoles, PC, and possibly even mobile devices, thereby expanding the reach of both Frontier’s and Disney’s audiences. The partnership is also noteworthy from a business perspective. By taking on both development and publishing responsibilities, Frontier retains full creative control and a larger share of the revenue stream, while Disney benefits from Frontier’s proven track record in delivering polished, content‑rich simulation experiences. This symbiotic arrangement reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry where established IP holders seek specialized developers to translate beloved franchises into interactive formats without diluting the core brand identity.
Looking ahead, Frontier’s leadership remains confident that the Disney collaboration will reinforce the studio’s reputation as a premier creator of evergreen simulation franchises. The company’s strategy of delivering one high‑impact CMS title per year is designed to keep its portfolio fresh, maintain player engagement, and ensure a steady pipeline of revenue. With the added star power of Disney’s intellectual property, the forthcoming game could become a flagship entry that sets new standards for creativity, community interaction, and commercial success within the simulation genre. In summary, Frontier Developments is set to blend its seasoned expertise in creative‑management simulations with the timeless allure of Disney’s storytelling.
The studio will finance, develop, and publish the new title, aiming to deliver a richly detailed, player‑driven experience that celebrates both the imaginative possibilities of simulation gameplay and the magical world of Disney. The initiative arrives at a time of strong financial performance for Frontier, underscoring the company’s confidence in its strategic focus on CMS games and its commitment to delivering enduring, high‑quality gaming experiences for years to come.