Frontier Developments, the Cambridge‑based developer 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 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 a fresh Disney‑themed experience to market. The collaboration marks a significant milestone for both parties.
For Disney, it provides a dedicated, specialist partner capable of translating beloved characters, stories and settings into a sandbox‑style simulation that lets players design, build and manage their own Disney‑inspired worlds. For Frontier, it aligns perfectly with a strategic shift the company announced in 2023, when it decided to concentrate its resources on CMS titles because they deliver more reliable revenue streams and allow the studio to cultivate long‑lasting franchises. "We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Disney," said Jo Cooke, CEO of Frontier Developments. "It reinforces our clear‑cut strategy of developing and nurturing world‑class creative‑management simulation franchises.
Our aim with this project is to bring together a passionate community of creators and one of the most iconic and beloved brands on the planet. I can’t wait to see what our talented teams will produce with this extraordinary opportunity." The new game will be built from the ground up using Frontier’s proprietary simulation engine, which has already proven its versatility on titles like Planet Coaster and Planet Zoo. Those games allow players to design intricate amusement parks or manage complex wildlife sanctuaries, respectively, and the same underlying mechanics will be adapted to let players craft immersive Disney experiences—whether that means constructing a magical kingdom, orchestrating a theatrical production, or managing a bustling resort populated by classic Disney characters. Frontier’s recent financial results underscore why the studio is well‑positioned to take on such an ambitious project.
In its latest 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. The bulk of this growth was attributed to the CMS segment, which generated roughly 90 percent of the company’s total revenue for FY26. Executives credit this success to a disciplined focus on high‑quality, evergreen titles that keep players engaged over long periods.
The Disney collaboration also dovetails with Frontier’s broader pipeline. In addition to the Disney‑based game, the studio is currently developing an unannounced Planet franchise entry that will rely on its own intellectual property. By maintaining a steady cadence of one CMS release per year, Frontier hopes to sustain a rhythm of regular content drops, community updates and expansion packs that keep its player base active and its revenue streams predictable. From a market perspective, the decision to concentrate on CMS games reflects a larger industry trend.
Simulation and management titles tend to have lower development risk compared with narrative‑driven AAA blockbusters, while still offering ample opportunities for monetisation through downloadable content, cosmetics and seasonal events. Moreover, the genre’s emphasis on player creativity and long‑term progression aligns well with the expectations of modern gamers who seek games that evolve over months or even years.
The upcoming Disney‑themed CMS title is expected to follow this formula. Early design documents suggest that players will start with a modest plot of land and a handful of iconic Disney assets, then gradually expand their domain by unlocking new characters, attractions and storylines. The game will likely incorporate a robust toolkit that enables players to customize everything from the layout of streets to the lighting of night‑time spectacles, echoing the creative freedom found in Frontier’s existing portfolio. In addition to core gameplay, Frontier plans to integrate live‑service elements that keep the experience fresh.
Seasonal events tied to Disney holidays—such as Halloween, Christmas and the anniversary of classic film releases—will introduce limited‑time challenges and exclusive rewards. Community‑driven contests may allow fans to showcase their most imaginative designs, with the best entries potentially featured in official game updates.
Frontier’s commitment to quality and longevity is also evident in its approach to post‑launch support. The studio has a track record of delivering substantial expansions for its previous titles, adding new content packs that dramatically broaden the scope of gameplay. For the Disney project, similar expansions could introduce new franchises—think Marvel, Star Wars, or Pixar—once licensing agreements are secured, thereby extending the game’s lifespan and appeal.
Overall, the partnership with Disney represents a logical next step for Frontier Developments as it continues to cement its reputation as a leader in the creative‑management simulation space. By marrying its proven technical expertise with Disney’s timeless brand equity, the studio aims to create a game that not only entertains but also inspires players to unleash their own creativity. The announcement has already generated buzz among fans of both companies, and industry observers are watching closely to see how this collaboration will shape the future of simulation gaming.
With strong financial footing, a clear strategic vision and a portfolio of successful CMS titles, Frontier is poised to deliver a Disney experience that could set a new benchmark for the genre. The exact release window has not yet been disclosed, but the company assures that development is proceeding on schedule and that the final product will live up to the high expectations set by both the Frontier and Disney brands.