Frontier Developments, the Cambridge‑based creator behind hits such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo, and Jurassic World Evolution, has officially sealed a partnership with The Walt Disney Company to produce a brand‑new video 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 upon its deep‑rooted experience in the creative‑management simulation (CMS) genre to shape the experience.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for both parties. Disney, renowned for its timeless characters and stories, is extending its reach into interactive entertainment by granting a trusted developer the creative freedom to interpret its assets. Frontier, in turn, sees the collaboration as a natural extension of its long‑standing strategy to nurture world‑class CMS franchises that blend player creativity with robust management mechanics. "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 is expected to leverage the strengths of both companies. Frontier’s track record in delivering sandbox‑style experiences—where players design, build, and operate elaborate attractions—aligns perfectly with Disney’s legacy of theme‑park storytelling and character‑driven worlds. By combining Frontier’s sophisticated simulation engines with Disney’s rich narrative universes, the forthcoming title aims to offer players unprecedented freedom to craft their own magical realms, whether that involves designing a fantasy kingdom, curating a classic animated film studio, or managing a bustling adventure park populated by beloved characters. Financially, Frontier has been on an upward trajectory.
The company recently reported its second‑highest annual revenue to date, with a 16 % increase that pushed total earnings to £104.8 million. Operating profit surged 44 % to £19 million, surpassing the previous record of £15.9 million set in fiscal year 2029. Frontier attributes much of this growth to its strategic emphasis on CMS titles, a segment that now accounts for roughly 90 % of its FY26 revenue.
The shift toward CMS games began in 2023, when the studio recognized that the genre offered "stronger and more predictable returns" compared to other market segments. Frontier’s roadmap is built around a disciplined cadence of releasing one CMS title per year, a rhythm designed to sustain long‑term, evergreen franchises that continue to generate revenue long after launch. This approach not only supports steady cash flow but also allows the company to invest in post‑launch content, community engagement, and iterative improvements—key factors that have driven the success of its existing portfolio.
Beyond the Disney collaboration, Frontier is also working on an unannounced Planet game that will be based on its own intellectual property, further expanding its lineup of simulation experiences. The studio’s commitment to innovation is evident in its willingness to explore new settings while retaining the core mechanics that fans have come to love: intricate design tools, deep management systems, and a strong emphasis on player creativity. Industry observers note that this move could signal a broader trend of major entertainment brands partnering with specialized developers to create immersive, brand‑centric experiences.
By handing over development to a studio with proven expertise, Disney can ensure high‑quality execution while focusing on its core storytelling strengths. For Frontier, the Disney license provides a powerful catalyst for growth, potentially attracting a wider audience that includes both longtime simulation enthusiasts and fans of Disney’s beloved characters. The upcoming title is still under wraps regarding its exact setting, gameplay specifics, and release window. However, the partnership’s announcement has already generated considerable excitement across gaming forums, social media, and investor circles.
Fans anticipate a game that will let them build and manage their own Disney‑themed attractions, perhaps even integrating iconic locations like Cinderella’s Castle, the Star Wars galaxy, or Marvel’s superhero headquarters into a cohesive, player‑driven world. In summary, Frontier Developments’ new Disney‑based project represents a strategic convergence of two industry powerhouses. Leveraging Frontier’s mastery of creative‑management simulations and Disney’s timeless brand appeal, the collaboration aims to deliver a richly detailed, highly customizable game that will engage creators and storytellers alike.
With Frontier’s recent financial momentum and clear focus on sustainable, high‑quality CMS franchises, the partnership is poised to become a flagship title in both companies’ portfolios, setting a benchmark for future collaborations between entertainment giants and niche game developers.