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 this agreement, Frontier will act as the sole financer, developer, and publisher of the project, applying the studio’s deep knowledge of creative‑management simulation (CMS) titles 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 an as‑yet‑unnamed Planet game that will be built around its own original IP. This new Disney collaboration fits neatly into Frontier’s broader strategic vision of expanding its catalogue of high‑quality, evergreen simulation experiences. "We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Disney, which further solidifies our clearly articulated strategy of cultivating world‑class creative‑management simulation franchises," said Jo Cooke, CEO of Frontier Developments.
"Our goal with this project is to bridge a vibrant community of creative players with one of the most iconic and beloved brands on the planet, and I am eager to see the extraordinary experiences our talented teams will craft given this remarkable opportunity." Frontier’s recent financial results underscore the effectiveness of its focus on the CMS genre. The company reported its second‑largest annual turnover to date, with revenue climbing 16 percent 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. Management attributed this strong performance to a "strategic focus" on CMS games, which now generate roughly 90 percent of the firm’s FY26 revenue.
The shift toward CMS titles began in 2023, when Frontier’s leadership concluded that the genre offered "stronger and more predictable returns" compared with other segments of the market. Since then, the studio has adopted a disciplined development cadence, aiming to release one flagship CMS title each year while nurturing long‑term, sustainable growth through high‑quality, evergreen franchises. The upcoming Disney‑themed game is expected to follow the same design philosophy that has made Planet Coaster and Planet Zoo successes. Players will likely be given tools to design, build, and manage attractions, habitats, or experiences set within familiar Disney settings, ranging from classic animated worlds to contemporary franchises.
By leveraging Disney’s rich library of characters, stories, and locations, Frontier hopes to provide a sandbox environment where creativity is the primary currency. In addition to the core gameplay loop, the partnership may open doors for cross‑media integration, such as exclusive in‑game events tied to new Disney film releases, seasonal celebrations aligned with Disney parks, or collaborations with Disney’s merchandising arm. Such synergies could deepen player engagement and create recurring revenue streams, aligning with Frontier’s aim of building "evergreen" titles that remain relevant and profitable long after launch. From a technical standpoint, Frontier is expected to employ its proprietary engine and simulation frameworks, refined over multiple releases, to deliver detailed physics, realistic crowd behavior, and intricate resource management systems.
The studio’s prior experience with large‑scale simulation—particularly the way Planet Coaster handled complex roller‑coaster engineering and Planet Zoo’s animal welfare mechanics—should translate well into a Disney context where attention to detail and authenticity are paramount. Community involvement is also likely to be a cornerstone of the project. Frontier has historically fostered strong modding and user‑generated content ecosystems, encouraging players to share designs, download community creations, and collaborate on large projects. By extending these tools to a Disney‑themed sandbox, the company can tap into a passionate fan base eager to reinterpret beloved stories and characters in novel ways.
Looking ahead, the collaboration signals a broader trend of established game developers partnering with major entertainment brands to create immersive experiences that blend traditional gameplay with licensed content. For Frontier, the Disney deal not only expands its portfolio but also reinforces its reputation as a leading creator of creative‑management simulations that appeal to both casual and hardcore audiences. Overall, Frontier Developments’ announcement marks a significant milestone: a UK studio with a proven track record in simulation is set to combine its expertise with Disney’s timeless appeal, promising a fresh, richly detailed game that invites players to imagine, build, and manage their own pieces of the Disney magic.
The venture is poised to contribute further to Frontier’s impressive financial momentum and to cement its position at the forefront of the CMS genre.