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 portfolio of intellectual property. Under this arrangement, Frontier will assume full responsibility for financing, development, and publishing, applying the deep knowledge it has built up in the creative‑management simulation (CMS) arena. Based in Cambridge, Frontier is the creative force behind acclaimed series such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution, and it is also working on a yet‑to‑be‑revealed Planet title that will feature its own original IP.
The new Disney‑themed project marks the latest addition to the studio’s growing catalogue of 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, CEO 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 arrives at a time when Frontier is enjoying robust financial performance. The company recently disclosed its second‑highest annual revenue to date, with a 16 percent increase that lifted total earnings to £104.8 million.
Operating profit surged 44 percent to £19 million, surpassing the previous record of £15.9 million set in fiscal year 2029. Frontier attributes this upward trajectory to its strategic emphasis on CMS games, a genre that now generates roughly 90 percent of its FY26 revenue.
Frontier’s pivot toward creative‑management simulations began in 2023, when the leadership team concluded that the genre offered "stronger and more predictable returns" compared with other types of games. The studio has since adopted a disciplined development cadence, aiming to launch one CMS title each year. This approach is intended to foster "long‑term, sustainable growth through high‑quality, evergreen game franchises," according to the company’s public statements. The Disney‑based title is expected to blend Frontier’s hallmark gameplay mechanics—such as detailed building tools, deep customization options, and intricate visitor behavior modeling—with the rich storytelling and beloved characters that Disney fans know and love.
While specific details about the setting, characters, or gameplay loops have not yet been revealed, industry observers anticipate a park‑building experience reminiscent of Planet Coaster, but populated with Disney attractions, themed lands, and iconic personalities from classic films and contemporary franchises. By handling both development and publishing, Frontier retains full creative control while also benefiting from the financial stability that comes with self‑funding.
This model aligns with the studio’s broader business philosophy, which prioritizes ownership of intellectual property and direct engagement with its player community. The company has historically leveraged its own distribution channels and digital storefronts to maximize revenue share and maintain a close feedback loop with gamers. In addition to the core game, Frontier plans to support the Disney title with regular content updates, seasonal events, and downloadable expansions—practices that have proven successful for its existing franchises.
For instance, Planet Coaster has enjoyed a steady stream of new ride packs, themed décor items, and community‑driven challenges that keep players invested long after the initial launch. Applying a similar post‑launch strategy to a Disney‑themed experience could unlock significant additional value, both in terms of player retention and monetization.
The partnership also opens doors for cross‑promotional opportunities. Disney’s extensive media ecosystem—spanning movies, television, streaming services, merchandise and theme parks—could provide a wealth of marketing assets and brand recognition to boost the game's visibility. Conversely, Frontier’s expertise in creating immersive simulation environments could offer Disney fresh avenues to engage fans digitally, complementing its existing physical park experiences. Looking ahead, Frontier’s leadership remains confident that the Disney collaboration will reinforce the studio’s reputation as a leading developer of high‑quality simulation games.
The company’s recent financial results suggest that its focus on CMS titles is paying dividends, and the addition of a globally recognized brand like Disney could accelerate growth even further. In summary, Frontier Developments is set to develop and publish a new game built around Disney’s treasured intellectual property, leveraging its proven track record in the creative‑management simulation genre. The venture aligns with Frontier’s strategic goal of delivering one flagship CMS title per year, supporting sustainable expansion through evergreen franchises, and capitalizing on the synergy between its development capabilities and Disney’s iconic brand assets.
The project promises to deliver a richly detailed, player‑driven experience that will allow fans to design and manage their own Disney‑themed worlds, potentially becoming a cornerstone of Frontier’s portfolio for years to come.