Frontier Developments, the Cambridge‑based creator of hit simulation franchises such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution, has sealed a partnership with The Walt Disney Company to produce a brand‑new game built around Disney’s extensive portfolio of intellectual property. Under the terms of the agreement, Frontier will assume full responsibility for funding, development and publishing, drawing on its deep‑rooted experience in the creative‑management simulation (CMS) genre to bring the beloved Disney worlds to life in an interactive format.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for both parties. For Disney, it opens a direct channel to a proven developer whose previous titles have demonstrated an ability to blend intricate management mechanics with rich, immersive environments that keep players engaged for countless hours. For Frontier, the collaboration provides a high‑profile canvas on which to showcase its signature blend of detailed simulation, artistic expression and community‑driven creativity.
"We are delighted 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. Cooke added that the company’s objective 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 new title will be the latest addition to Frontier’s growing portfolio of CMS games, a category that now accounts for roughly ninety percent of the firm’s revenue.
The focus on CMS games is a strategic pivot that began in 2023, when the company concluded that the genre offered "stronger and more predictable returns" compared with other development paths. Since that strategic shift, Frontier has pursued an ambitious goal of delivering one high‑quality CMS title each year, a cadence that is designed to sustain long‑term growth and keep its player base consistently engaged. Financially, the move appears to be paying off. In its most recent fiscal year, Frontier reported its second‑highest annual revenue on record, climbing 16 percent to £104.8 million.
Operating profit surged 44 percent to £19 million, surpassing the previous peak of £15.9 million recorded in FY29. The company attributes much of this success to its "strategic focus" on CMS games, which have become the backbone of its earnings. By concentrating resources on a genre that blends repeatable gameplay loops with expansive, evergreen content, Frontier has been able to build a stable revenue base while also experimenting with new IPs. In addition to the Disney partnership, Frontier is also working on an unannounced Planet‑themed game that will be based on its own intellectual property.
This demonstrates the studio’s commitment to expanding its internal franchises while simultaneously leveraging external brands. The dual approach allows Frontier to diversify its portfolio, reduce reliance on any single IP, and continue to attract a broad spectrum of players ranging from theme‑park enthusiasts to dinosaur fans.
The upcoming Disney‑based CMS title is expected to feature the hallmark elements that have made Frontier’s previous games successful: deep customization tools, robust sandbox modes, and a vibrant community‑driven ecosystem where players can share creations, compete in challenges, and collaborate on large‑scale projects. While exact details about the specific Disney properties that will be incorporated have not been disclosed, the partnership opens the door to a vast array of characters, settings and stories—from classic animated classics to contemporary Marvel and Star Wars universes.
This breadth of content will enable the developers to craft a game experience that feels both familiar to longtime Disney fans and fresh for newcomers. From a development perspective, Frontier plans to apply its proprietary technology stack, which includes advanced simulation engines and a modular architecture that supports rapid iteration and frequent content updates.
This approach aligns with the company’s stated ambition to create "evergreen" franchises—games that remain relevant and financially viable long after launch through continuous expansions, seasonal events, and community‑generated content. By pairing this infrastructure with Disney’s globally recognized brand, the studio aims to produce a title that not only generates immediate sales but also sustains a thriving player community for years to come. Industry analysts have noted that the collaboration could set a new benchmark for how major entertainment properties are translated into interactive experiences. The combination of Disney’s storytelling expertise and Frontier’s simulation know‑how could result in a product that pushes the boundaries of what a CMS game can achieve, potentially inspiring other developers to explore similar partnerships.
Looking ahead, Frontier’s roadmap remains ambitious. The company’s commitment to releasing a flagship CMS title each year suggests that, following the Disney project, players can anticipate additional expansions or new IP‑focused games on an annual basis.
This steady cadence, coupled with a clear emphasis on quality and community engagement, positions Frontier as a leading player in the simulation market and signals to investors and fans alike that the studio is dedicated to sustainable, long‑term growth. In summary, the alliance between Frontier Developments and Disney represents a strategic convergence of creative vision, technical expertise, and market opportunity. By financing, developing, and publishing the game internally, Frontier retains full creative control while leveraging Disney’s rich narrative heritage.
The partnership not only reinforces Frontier’s strategic emphasis on CMS games but also promises to deliver a compelling, richly detailed experience that will engage both Disney aficionados and simulation enthusiasts for many years to come.