Frontier Developments, the Cambridge‑based developer behind hits such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution, has officially signed a partnership with The Walt Disney Company to produce a brand‑new game that will draw on Disney’s extensive portfolio of intellectual property. Under the terms of the agreement, Frontier will act as the sole funder, developer and publisher of the project, applying the studio’s deep‑rooted knowledge of the creative‑management simulation (CMS) genre to bring a fresh, interactive Disney experience to life. The announcement was made by Frontier’s chief executive officer, Jo Cooke, who expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. "We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Disney, which further reinforces our clearly defined strategy of developing and nurturing world‑class creative‑management simulation game franchises," Cooke said.
She added that the upcoming title aims to unite a passionate community of creators with one of the most beloved and iconic brands on the planet, and that the company’s talented teams are eager to explore the possibilities the partnership presents. Frontier’s decision to focus on CMS titles is not new.
In 2023 the studio publicly shifted its development roadmap toward games that blend creative freedom with strategic management, citing the genre’s ability to deliver "stronger and more predictable returns" compared with other types of releases. This strategic pivot has already paid dividends.
In its most recent financial report, Frontier posted its second‑highest annual revenue on record, with total sales climbing 16 % to £104.8 million. Operating profit surged 44 % to £19 million, surpassing the previous peak of £15.9 million recorded in fiscal year 2029. The company attributes much of this growth to its concentrated emphasis on CMS games, which now represent roughly 90 % of its FY26 revenue stream. The new Disney‑themed project will be built using the same core principles that have made Frontier’s previous CMS titles successful: deep customization options, robust sandbox environments, and tools that empower players to design, manage, and share their own creations.
While the exact Disney franchise or combination of properties that will be featured has not been disclosed, the partnership opens the door to a wide array of possibilities, ranging from classic animated classics to newer Marvel and Star Wars universes, all of which could be reimagined within Frontier’s flexible simulation engine. In addition to the Disney collaboration, Frontier is concurrently developing an as‑yet‑unnamed Planet title based on its own intellectual property.
This parallel effort underscores the studio’s commitment to delivering a steady pipeline of high‑quality, evergreen games that keep players engaged over the long term. The company’s stated goal is to release "one CMS title per year," a cadence that allows for focused development cycles, ample post‑launch support, and the cultivation of vibrant player communities around each franchise. Industry analysts have noted that Frontier’s approach aligns well with broader market trends. The CMS genre has seen a resurgence as gamers increasingly seek experiences that blend creativity with strategic depth, and platforms such as Steam and console marketplaces have rewarded titles that support user‑generated content and ongoing updates.
By securing a partnership with Disney, Frontier not only gains access to a treasure trove of beloved characters and storylines but also positions itself to attract a broader audience that may be drawn in by the Disney brand’s universal appeal. Looking ahead, Frontier’s leadership expects the Disney collaboration to serve as a catalyst for further growth. The studio plans to leverage its existing live‑service infrastructure to provide regular content drops, seasonal events, and community challenges that keep the game fresh long after launch.
Moreover, the partnership may open avenues for cross‑promotional opportunities, such as tie‑ins with Disney theme parks, streaming services, or merchandising, further expanding the game’s reach beyond traditional gaming channels. In summary, Frontier Developments is set to combine its proven expertise in creative‑management simulation with the timeless allure of Disney’s intellectual property. By funding, developing, and publishing the title internally, the studio retains full creative control while benefiting from Disney’s brand power. The move reflects Frontier’s broader strategic vision of delivering one high‑quality CMS game each year, fostering sustainable growth through evergreen franchises, and capitalizing on the strong financial performance that has already been achieved through its focused genre strategy.
Fans of both Frontier’s previous titles and Disney’s expansive universe can look forward to a richly detailed, highly customizable gaming experience that promises to blend imagination, management, and beloved characters in a way that has not been seen before in the simulation space.