Frontier Developments has secured a partnership with Disney to produce a brand‑new video game that will draw upon 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 studio’s deep‑rooted know‑how in the creative management simulation (CMS) genre to bring a fresh Disney experience to life. The Cambridge‑based developer, best known for hits such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution, is already working on another, as‑yet‑unnamed Planet title that will be built around its own original IP.
This new Disney‑focused venture adds a high‑profile licence to Frontier’s growing portfolio of simulation games and signals the studio’s ambition to become a leading creator of evergreen, high‑quality CMS franchises. "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 will allow Frontier to blend Disney’s rich storytelling heritage with the studio’s proven formula for sandbox‑style management gameplay. Players can expect to design, build and run their own Disney‑themed attractions, parks, or experiences, managing everything from ride design and character placement to guest satisfaction and operational logistics.
By giving users the tools to shape their own Disney worlds, Frontier hopes to tap into the same creative impulse that made Planet Coaster and Planet Zoo such enduring successes. Financially, Frontier has been on an upward trajectory. In its most recent fiscal year the company posted its second‑highest annual revenue on record, climbing 16 % to £104.8 million. Operating profit surged 44 % to £19 million, surpassing the previous peak of £15.9 million recorded in FY29.
The firm attributes much of this growth to its strategic focus on CMS titles, which now represent roughly 90 % of its total revenue for FY26. Frontier’s pivot toward the CMS genre began in 2023, when senior leadership concluded that simulation games offered "stronger and more predictable returns" compared with other types of releases. The decision was driven by a desire for sustainable, long‑term profitability rather than short‑term spikes.
Since then, the company has adopted a clear production cadence: delivering one flagship CMS title each year while continuously supporting and expanding its existing franchises through updates, downloadable content, and community‑driven events. The Disney collaboration fits neatly into this roadmap.
By leveraging a globally recognised brand, Frontier anticipates a broader audience reach and heightened engagement, which in turn should translate into higher lifetime value per user. The studio also plans to integrate live‑service elements, such as seasonal events tied to Disney holidays, limited‑time character appearances, and cross‑promotions with other Disney media releases. These features are designed to keep the player base active and invested over many years, reinforcing the "evergreen" nature of the product. From a development perspective, Frontier will draw on its existing engine technology and design pipelines, adapting them to accommodate Disney’s visual style and narrative requirements.
The studio’s experience with detailed asset creation, complex AI behaviour for park guests, and robust simulation mechanics will be crucial in delivering a polished, immersive experience that feels both authentically Disney and unmistakably Frontier. Beyond the core game, Frontier intends to nurture a vibrant community around the title. This will involve providing robust modding tools, hosting design contests, and encouraging user‑generated content that showcases imaginative Disney park layouts.
By empowering creators, Frontier hopes to generate a virtuous cycle of content creation, player retention, and organic marketing. In summary, Frontier Developments’ new Disney‑licensed project represents a strategic convergence of two industry powerhouses.
The studio brings a proven track record in creative management simulation, while Disney contributes a treasure trove of beloved characters and stories. Together, they aim to deliver a game that not only entertains but also offers deep, replayable gameplay for fans of both simulation and Disney alike. The initiative aligns with Frontier’s broader business model of releasing a flagship CMS title each year, supporting sustainable growth through high‑quality, long‑lasting franchises, and capitalising on the predictable revenue streams that the genre provides.
With strong financial fundamentals and a clear vision for community‑centric development, Frontier is well‑positioned to make this Disney collaboration a landmark success in the simulation market.