Frontier Developments, the Cambridge‑based creator behind hits such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution, 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 agreement, Frontier will act as the sole financer, developer and publisher of the project, applying the studio’s deep experience in the creative‑management simulation (CMS) genre to bring a fresh, interactive experience to fans of both the studio and Disney’s beloved franchises. The collaboration marks a significant milestone for Frontier, whose CEO Jo Cooke described the deal as a "delightful" addition to the company’s long‑term strategy of building and nurturing world‑class CMS franchises. Cooke emphasized that the upcoming title aims to unite a passionate community of creators and builders with one of the most iconic and universally adored brands on the planet.
"We are thrilled to work alongside Disney, a name that resonates with imagination and storytelling across generations," Cooke said. "Our goal is to give players the tools and freedom to craft their own Disney‑themed worlds, attractions and narratives, and we can’t wait to see the innovative experiences our talented teams will deliver." Frontier’s decision to focus heavily on CMS games is rooted in solid financial performance. In its most recent fiscal year, the company reported its second‑highest annual revenue on record, reaching £104.8 million—a 16 percent increase over the previous year.
Operating profit surged 44 percent to £19 million, surpassing the prior record of £15.9 million set in FY29. The firm attributes this growth largely to its "strategic focus" on CMS titles, which now generate roughly 90 percent of its total revenue. The shift toward CMS games began in 2023, when Frontier announced a deliberate pivot away from more volatile genres toward those that promise "stronger and more predictable returns." The studio’s roadmap outlines an ambition to release one major CMS title each year, supported by a business model that prioritises long‑term, sustainable growth through high‑quality, evergreen franchises.
This approach has already paid dividends, allowing Frontier to invest confidently in new IP while also expanding existing series. The upcoming Disney‑based game will likely follow the design principles that have made Frontier’s previous CMS offerings successful: deep, sandbox‑style building tools; intricate simulation of guest behavior; and a strong emphasis on player creativity.
While specific details about the Disney property being used remain under wraps, the partnership opens the door to a wide range of possibilities—from theme‑park management set in classic Disney lands to wildlife conservation scenarios featuring beloved animal characters, or even narrative‑driven experiences that let players orchestrate their own Disney stories. In addition to the flagship Disney title, Frontier continues to develop an unannounced original Planet game built on its own intellectual property. This demonstrates the studio’s commitment to balancing licensed collaborations with the cultivation of its own creative universes. By leveraging the financial stability provided by the Disney partnership, Frontier can allocate resources to both external licences and internal projects, ensuring a diversified portfolio that mitigates risk.
Industry analysts have noted that the alliance could be a win‑win for both parties. Disney gains a seasoned development partner with a proven track record of delivering polished, content‑rich simulation experiences, while Frontier benefits from the massive brand recognition and fan base that Disney commands worldwide. The synergy is expected to attract both existing fans of Frontier’s simulation games and newcomers drawn by the Disney name, potentially expanding the market for CMS titles.
Looking ahead, Frontier’s leadership remains focused on its core mantra: delivering one high‑calibre CMS title per year while nurturing evergreen franchises that retain player engagement over long periods. The company’s financial outlook appears robust, with the recent revenue and profit spikes providing a solid foundation for continued investment in talent, technology, and marketing.
In summary, Frontier Developments has entered a landmark agreement with Disney to create a new game that will blend the studio’s expertise in creative‑management simulation with Disney’s rich storytelling heritage. The partnership aligns with Frontier’s strategic emphasis on CMS games, a segment that now accounts for the overwhelming majority of its earnings and promises consistent, predictable returns. With a strong financial footing, a clear annual release cadence, and a commitment to high‑quality, evergreen experiences, Frontier is well‑positioned to deliver a Disney‑themed title that could set new standards for the genre and delight a global audience of creators and fans alike.