Frontier Developments, the Cambridge‑based developer behind celebrated series such as Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo and Jurassic World Evolution, has signed a partnership agreement 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 deal, 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 experience to life. The announcement marks a significant milestone for both parties. For Disney, it offers a proven game‑making partner that has already demonstrated an ability to translate beloved franchises into engaging, sandbox‑style experiences that empower players to design, build and manage their own worlds.
For Frontier, the collaboration aligns perfectly with its strategic focus on cultivating long‑running, high‑quality CMS franchises that deliver consistent revenue streams. "We are thrilled to reveal this partnership with Disney, which reinforces the clear direction we have set for ourselves – to develop and nurture world‑class creative‑management simulation franchises," said Jo Cooke, Chief Executive Officer of Frontier Developments. "Our goal with this new title is to unite a passionate community of creators with one of the most iconic and beloved brands on the planet.
I am eager to see how our talented teams will harness this extraordinary opportunity to craft something truly special." Frontier’s recent financial results underscore the wisdom of its CMS‑centric approach. The company reported its second‑highest annual revenue to date, with a 16 % increase that lifted total earnings to £104.8 million.
Operating profit surged 44 % to £19 million, surpassing the previous record of £15.9 million set in fiscal year 2029. Management attributed this robust performance largely to its "strategic focus" on creative‑management simulation titles, which now represent roughly 90 % of the firm’s FY26 revenue.
The shift toward CMS games began in 2023, when Frontier’s leadership concluded that the genre offered "stronger and more predictable returns" compared with other types of releases. Since then, the studio has committed to delivering "one CMS title per year," a cadence designed to maintain a steady pipeline of fresh content while allowing each game to mature into an evergreen franchise with a dedicated player base. In addition to the Disney collaboration, Frontier is also working on an unannounced original Planet game that will expand its own intellectual property portfolio.
This parallel development effort demonstrates the studio’s confidence in balancing licensed projects with internally generated concepts, ensuring a diversified slate that can appeal to a wide range of gamers. The upcoming Disney‑based title is expected to incorporate hallmark elements of the CMS formula: deep customization tools, sandbox building mechanics, and robust simulation systems that let players manage everything from theme‑park attractions to character interactions. While specific details about which Disney properties will be featured remain under wraps, industry insiders anticipate that the game could draw from the vast array of Disney’s classic animated films, beloved characters, and perhaps even its newer acquisitions such as Marvel or Star Wars, depending on licensing arrangements.
By handling both development and publishing in‑house, Frontier retains full creative control and a larger share of the revenue, a model that has proven successful for its previous hits. The company’s experience with Planet Coaster, for example, showed how a well‑executed CMS game could generate a vibrant community that continuously creates and shares content, extending the life of the product far beyond its initial launch window. Looking ahead, Frontier’s strategy emphasizes sustainable growth through the cultivation of high‑quality, evergreen franchises. The firm plans to support each CMS title with regular updates, downloadable content, and community‑driven events, fostering long‑term engagement and repeat spending.
This approach not only stabilizes cash flow but also strengthens brand loyalty, positioning Frontier as a reliable partner for major licensors like Disney. In summary, the new partnership with Disney represents a logical extension of Frontier Developments' CMS‑first philosophy. By marrying Disney's timeless characters and stories with Frontier's proven simulation expertise, the upcoming game aims to deliver a compelling, player‑driven experience that resonates with both fans of the Disney brand and enthusiasts of creative‑management games. With a solid financial foundation, a clear annual release cadence, and a commitment to evergreen content, Frontier is well‑placed to turn this collaboration into another marquee success in its growing portfolio of simulation titles.