Frontier Developments, the Cambridge‑based developer behind hits such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution, has signed 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 act as the sole financier, developer and publisher of the project, drawing on its deep experience in the creative‑management simulation (CMS) genre to bring the beloved Disney worlds to life in an interactive format. The collaboration was announced with enthusiasm from both sides. Jo Cooke, CEO of Frontier, said, “We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Disney, which perfectly aligns with our clearly articulated strategy of building and nurturing world‑class creative‑management simulation franchises.” Cooke added that the company’s aim 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.” Frontier’s track record in the CMS space gives the studio a solid foundation for the new Disney title.
Creative‑management simulations are games that let players design, build and run virtual experiences—whether amusement parks, zoos, or themed attractions—while balancing financial, logistical and aesthetic considerations. Frontier’s previous titles have set industry standards for depth, visual fidelity and player freedom, and the company plans to apply those lessons to a Disney‑themed environment that could let players craft their own versions of classic attractions, design new rides, and manage the day‑to‑day operations of a magical resort. The deal also arrives at a moment of strong financial performance for Frontier.
In its most recent fiscal year, the company reported its second‑highest annual revenue on record, with earnings 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 growth largely to its strategic focus on CMS games, which now represent roughly 90 % of the firm’s total revenue for FY26. The company shifted its development priorities toward CMS titles in 2023 after determining that the genre offers “stronger and more predictable returns,” a philosophy that has clearly paid off.
Frontier’s long‑term roadmap emphasizes a steady output of high‑quality, evergreen franchises. The studio has publicly committed to delivering “one CMS title per year,” a cadence that allows it to allocate resources efficiently, maintain brand momentum, and keep its player base engaged with fresh content and expansions. By pairing this disciplined release schedule with the timeless appeal of Disney’s characters, stories and locations, Frontier hopes to create a product that not only generates immediate sales but also sustains a vibrant community for years to come. In addition to the Disney collaboration, Frontier is also working on an unannounced original Planet game based on its own intellectual property.
This parallel development effort demonstrates the studio’s confidence in its ability to juggle multiple large‑scale projects while preserving the quality that fans have come to expect. The simultaneous pursuit of an original IP and a Disney‑licensed title suggests that Frontier is positioning itself as a leader in the simulation space, capable of handling both beloved external franchises and its own creative visions.
The upcoming Disney game is expected to leverage many of the features that made Frontier’s previous releases successful: robust modding tools, extensive customization options, realistic physics, and a strong emphasis on player creativity. Fans can anticipate a sandbox environment where they might design a new version of Cinderella’s Castle, craft a Marvel‑themed superhero training academy, or build an entire Star Wars galaxy park complete with rides, restaurants and live shows. By giving players the freedom to mix and match characters, settings and storylines, Frontier aims to deliver an experience that feels both familiar and uniquely personal.
Industry analysts have noted that the partnership could be a win‑win for both companies. Disney gains a proven development partner with a track record of turning beloved properties into profitable interactive experiences, while Frontier secures a high‑profile license that is likely to attract a broader audience beyond its existing fan base. The synergy between Disney’s storytelling expertise and Frontier’s technical prowess could set a new benchmark for licensed simulation games. Looking ahead, Frontier’s leadership remains optimistic about the project’s potential impact.
The company’s strategic focus on sustainable growth through evergreen franchises, combined with a disciplined annual release schedule, positions it well to capitalize on the anticipated demand for a Disney‑themed CMS title. As the development progresses, Frontier has promised regular updates, community beta testing opportunities, and a transparent roadmap to keep players informed and involved. In summary, Frontier Developments is set to embark on an ambitious new venture that blends its deep‑rooted expertise in creative‑management simulations with the magical world of Disney.
Backed by strong financial results, a clear strategic vision, and a commitment to delivering one high‑quality CMS title each year, the studio is poised to create a game that could become a cornerstone of both the simulation genre and Disney’s interactive portfolio.