Frontier Developments has secured a partnership with The Walt Disney Company 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 expertise in the creative‑management simulation (CMS) genre to bring the Disney universe to life in an interactive format. The Cambridge‑based developer is best known for its highly acclaimed simulation franchises such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution.
In addition to those established series, the company is currently working on an as‑yet‑unnamed Planet title that will be built around its own original intellectual property. The new Disney‑themed venture therefore represents the latest addition to Frontier’s growing portfolio of simulation experiences, and it underscores the studio’s ambition to become the go‑to creator of high‑quality, evergreen CMS games. "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. Cooke added that the partnership will allow the studio to "connect a passionate creative community of players with one of the world’s most iconic and beloved brands," and expressed confidence that the company’s talented teams will produce something truly special.
The announcement comes on the heels of Frontier’s most successful financial year to date. In the most recent fiscal period the company posted its second‑highest annual revenue on record, with sales climbing 16 percent to £104.8 million. Operating profit surged 44 percent to £19 million, surpassing the previous high of £15.9 million recorded in FY29. Frontier attributes this impressive performance to its "strategic focus" on creative‑management simulation titles, a segment that now accounts for roughly 90 percent of the firm’s FY26 revenue.
Frontier’s pivot toward the CMS genre began in 2023, when the leadership team concluded that simulation games offered "stronger and more predictable returns" compared with other types of interactive entertainment. The company has since articulated a clear roadmap: deliver one flagship CMS title each year while cultivating long‑term, sustainable growth through high‑quality, evergreen franchises. By concentrating resources on a single genre, Frontier believes it can refine its development pipelines, deepen player engagement, and maintain a steady stream of revenue.
The Disney partnership aligns perfectly with this vision. Disney’s vast library of stories—from classic fairy‑tale adaptations to modern blockbuster franchises—provides an almost limitless well of content that can be reinterpreted through the lens of a management simulation. Players could, for example, design and run their own theme parks based on iconic Disney lands, curate exhibits featuring beloved characters, or oversee the production of animated features within a virtual studio environment.
While specific gameplay mechanics have not yet been disclosed, Frontier’s track record suggests a focus on detailed, sandbox‑style systems that give players creative freedom while offering clear objectives and measurable progress. Industry observers note that the collaboration also signals a broader trend of major entertainment brands seeking deeper engagement with gamers.
By moving beyond passive consumption of movies and TV shows, Disney is tapping into the interactive medium to extend its storytelling reach. For Frontier, the deal not only adds a high‑profile license to its roster but also provides an opportunity to attract a wider audience that may be drawn to the Disney name but unfamiliar with simulation games. Looking ahead, Frontier plans to integrate its existing technology stack—including the proprietary engine that powers Planet Coaster and Planet Zoo—into the new Disney title. This engine is known for its robust simulation capabilities, high‑fidelity visuals and extensive modding support, all of which are likely to enhance the player experience and foster a vibrant community of creators.
The studio also intends to leverage its experience in live‑service updates, seasonal events and downloadable content to keep the game fresh and engaging long after launch. In summary, Frontier Developments’ new agreement with Disney represents a strategic convergence of two industry powerhouses. Frontier will fund, develop and publish a Disney‑based creative‑management simulation, drawing on its proven expertise in the genre and its commitment to delivering one major CMS title per year.
The partnership promises to blend Disney’s timeless appeal with Frontier’s sophisticated simulation mechanics, potentially creating a flagship experience that resonates with both longtime fans of the studio’s previous games and newcomers attracted by the Disney brand. As the project moves from concept to production, both companies are optimistic that the collaboration will yield a memorable, high‑quality game that strengthens their positions in the ever‑evolving gaming landscape.