Frontier Developments has sealed a partnership with The Walt Disney Company to produce a fresh video‑game that will draw on Disney’s extensive catalogue of characters and stories. Under the terms of the agreement, Frontier will act as the sole financer, 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. The Cambridge‑based developer, best known for hits such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution, is also working on a yet‑to‑be‑revealed original Planet title that will expand its own intellectual property portfolio. The new Disney‑themed game will join these existing franchises as another example of Frontier’s commitment to building high‑quality, long‑lasting simulation experiences.
"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 represents a unique chance to unite a passionate community of creators with one of the most beloved and globally recognised brands. "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," she continued. The announcement arrives on the back of a strong financial performance for Frontier.
In its most recent fiscal year, the company 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 its strategic emphasis on CMS titles, which now generate roughly 90 percent of the firm’s total revenue for FY26.
Frontier’s pivot toward the CMS market began in 2023, when the leadership team concluded that simulation games offered more reliable and higher‑margin returns compared with other genres. The company’s long‑term plan is to release one flagship CMS title each year, supporting sustainable growth through evergreen franchises that keep players engaged for extended periods. By focusing resources on a single, high‑quality experience annually, Frontier hopes to maintain a steady pipeline of downloadable content, expansions and community‑driven modifications that extend the life cycle of each game.
The Disney partnership aligns perfectly with this vision. Disney’s vast library of intellectual property—ranging from classic animated films to contemporary Marvel and Star Wars franchises—provides a fertile ground for creative simulation gameplay. Players could be given the tools to design their own theme parks, manage virtual resorts, or orchestrate story‑driven experiences featuring beloved characters, all within a sandbox environment that rewards strategic planning and artistic expression.
Industry analysts suggest that the combination of Frontier’s proven CMS engine and Disney’s iconic brand equity could attract both existing fans of the studio’s previous titles and a broader audience of Disney enthusiasts who may be new to the simulation genre. The cross‑generational appeal of Disney characters, coupled with Frontier’s reputation for deep, user‑friendly management mechanics, is expected to generate strong pre‑launch interest and robust post‑release sales.
In addition to the core game, Frontier plans to support the title with regular updates, seasonal events and user‑generated content tools, mirroring the successful service model employed for Planet Coaster and Planet Zoo. This approach not only encourages community involvement but also creates additional revenue streams through optional cosmetic packs, expansion modules and licensing collaborations. Looking ahead, Frontier’s leadership remains confident that the Disney‑based CMS title will cement the studio’s position as a leading creator of evergreen simulation franchises. By marrying Disney’s timeless storytelling with Frontier’s sophisticated simulation technology, the company aims to deliver an experience that is both familiar and innovative, offering players endless opportunities to craft, customize and share their own magical worlds.
The upcoming game is slated for release on multiple platforms, though specific launch windows and hardware details have yet to be disclosed. Fans can anticipate further announcements in the coming months, including teaser trailers, gameplay showcases and beta testing opportunities that will provide a glimpse into how Frontier intends to translate Disney’s rich narrative heritage into an interactive, player‑driven sandbox.
Overall, the collaboration marks a significant milestone for Frontier Developments, reinforcing its strategic focus on high‑quality, long‑term simulation titles while expanding its portfolio with one of the most recognizable brands on the planet. The synergy between Frontier’s technical expertise and Disney’s creative legacy promises to deliver a fresh, immersive experience that could set a new benchmark for the CMS genre.