Frontier Developments has signed 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 experience in the creative‑management simulation (CMS) genre to bring the beloved Disney worlds to life in an interactive format. The Cambridge‑based developer, best known for hits such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution, is already busy working on an as‑yet‑unnamed Planet title that will use its own original intellectual property.
The new Disney collaboration marks a significant expansion of Frontier’s catalogue, pairing its proven simulation mechanics with one of the most recognizable and cherished brands on the planet. "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 franchises," said Jo Cooke, Chief Executive Officer of Frontier Developments.
"Our goal with this project is to unite a passionate community of creators with one of the world's most iconic and beloved brands, and I can't wait to see what our talented teams will achieve with this extraordinary opportunity." Frontier’s recent financial results underscore the timing of the new venture. The company reported its second‑highest annual revenue to date, with a 16 % increase that lifted 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. The firm attributed this strong performance to its "strategic focus" on CMS titles, which now generate roughly 90 % of the company’s FY26 revenue.
The shift toward creative‑management simulations began in 2023, when Frontier’s leadership decided to concentrate resources on a genre that offers "stronger and more predictable returns" compared with other types of games. The strategy is straightforward: deliver one high‑quality CMS title each year while fostering long‑term, sustainable growth through evergreen franchises that keep players engaged for years. By committing to a steady pipeline of fresh content and regular updates, Frontier aims to build lasting relationships with its audience and maintain a reliable revenue stream. The upcoming Disney‑themed game is expected to follow the same formula.
Players will likely be given tools to design, build and manage attractions, parks, or experiences set within classic Disney settings—think magical kingdoms, futuristic space adventures, or even the whimsical worlds of Pixar. Leveraging Frontier’s proven engine for detailed building mechanics, realistic physics and deep customization, the title should allow fans to craft their own versions of beloved Disney stories while managing the operational aspects that make CMS games compelling.
Industry observers note that the partnership could open doors for cross‑promotional opportunities. Disney’s extensive library of characters, locations and narratives provides a rich source of material that can be reinterpreted in a sandbox environment. At the same time, Frontier’s expertise in creating robust simulation systems ensures that the game will not merely be a visual showcase but a fully fledged management experience with economic challenges, guest satisfaction metrics, and creative freedom.
The collaboration also reflects a broader trend in the gaming sector, where established entertainment brands are seeking interactive extensions of their properties. By aligning with a developer that has a track record of delivering both critical acclaim and commercial success in the simulation space, Disney can reach a new segment of gamers who appreciate strategic depth as much as narrative nostalgia. While specific details about gameplay, release windows or platform availability have not yet been disclosed, Frontier has indicated that the project will be a flagship title in its annual CMS lineup.
The company’s commitment to releasing one major CMS game per year suggests that the Disney project could launch within the next 12 to 18 months, depending on development milestones and Disney’s own scheduling considerations. In addition to the core game, Frontier plans to support the title with post‑launch content updates, seasonal events, and community‑driven expansions.
This approach mirrors the studio’s successful model for Planet Coaster and Planet Zoo, where regular additions keep the player base active and encourage long‑term monetization through optional cosmetic packs and expansion packs. Overall, the alliance between Frontier Developments and Disney represents a convergence of two industry powerhouses: one with a legacy of storytelling and iconic characters, the other with a reputation for crafting sophisticated simulation experiences. If the partnership lives up to its promise, it could set a new benchmark for how beloved franchises are translated into interactive, player‑driven worlds, while also reinforcing Frontier’s strategic focus on sustainable growth through high‑quality, evergreen game franchises.