Frontier Developments has secured a partnership with The Walt Disney Company to produce a brand‑new video game that will draw on 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, applying the studio’s deep‑rooted know‑how in the creative‑management simulation (CMS) genre to bring the Disney universe to life in an interactive format. Based in Cambridge, England, Frontier has built a reputation for delivering high‑quality simulation experiences through well‑known franchises such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution. The company is also currently working on a yet‑to‑be‑revealed Planet title that will be based on its own original intellectual property, demonstrating its commitment to expanding the CMS catalogue.
"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 announcement comes at a time when Frontier is enjoying strong financial performance. In its most recent fiscal year, the studio posted 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. Frontier attributes this robust growth to a deliberate "strategic focus" on CMS games, a segment that now generates roughly 90 percent of the company’s FY26 revenue. Frontier’s pivot toward the CMS space began in 2023, when senior leadership decided to concentrate resources on a genre that offers "stronger and more predictable returns" compared with other types of interactive entertainment. The studio’s long‑term plan is to release one flagship CMS title each year, building a portfolio of evergreen franchises that can sustain steady, long‑term revenue streams while continually engaging a dedicated player base.
The new Disney‑based project is expected to follow the same development philosophy. By leveraging familiar Disney characters, settings and storylines, Frontier aims to create a sandbox‑style experience where players can design, manage and share their own creations within a richly detailed, trademark‑filled world. The CMS framework will likely include tools for building attractions, managing staff, curating guest experiences and expanding the park or venue over time—mechanics that have proven successful in the studio’s previous titles. From a market perspective, the collaboration makes strategic sense for both parties.
Disney benefits from a proven developer that can translate its beloved properties into interactive experiences without compromising brand integrity. Meanwhile, Frontier gains access to a globally recognized franchise that can attract a broader audience beyond its existing fan base, potentially boosting user acquisition and retention rates. Industry analysts have noted that the combination of Disney’s storytelling prowess and Frontier’s technical expertise could set a new benchmark for the CMS genre. By integrating iconic Disney elements—such as classic characters, musical scores, and narrative moments—into a player‑driven environment, the game could offer a level of immersion and personalization that has rarely been seen in licensed titles.
In addition to the core gameplay loop, Frontier plans to support the title with regular content updates, seasonal events and community‑driven challenges. This approach aligns with the studio’s commitment to "long‑term, sustainable growth through high‑quality, evergreen game franchises," ensuring that the experience remains fresh and engaging long after launch. The development timeline has not been disclosed, but Frontier’s track record suggests a multi‑year production schedule, with iterative testing phases and early access opportunities for dedicated fans.
The studio has historically employed a transparent communication strategy, sharing development milestones and player feedback through blogs, social media and community forums. Overall, the partnership signals a significant step forward for Frontier Developments as it continues to cement its position as a leading creator of creative‑management simulations. By marrying Disney’s timeless appeal with Frontier’s innovative simulation engine, the upcoming title promises to deliver a compelling, endlessly customizable experience that will appeal to both casual gamers and hardcore simulation enthusiasts alike.