Frontier Developments Partners With Disney on a New Game, Funding It Entirely Itself

Frontier Developments has struck a deal with Disney to build a new game using the entertainment giant's IP, the Cambridge-based studio announced on 3 September 2026 via its official newsroom (Frontier Developments).

The specific Disney property Frontier is working with, and the game's release window, have not been announced. What the studio has confirmed is the shape of the project: a creative management simulation, the genre where players design and run theme parks, zoos or similar attractions. Frontier built its reputation on exactly that style of game — titles like Planet Coaster and Jurassic World Evolution, which let players construct and manage their own parks.

Frontier is funding the new game entirely from its own balance sheet. That detail matters: licensing a brand as valuable as Disney's typically involves the licensor covering part of the development cost in exchange for a larger share of revenue. Frontier taking on full funding suggests confidence in keeping a bigger slice of the returns — and a bet that the Disney name, attached to a genre Frontier already dominates, can sell without external backing.

CEO Jo Cooke said the company is "delighted" to announce the collaboration, calling it a reinforcement of Frontier's strategy of developing creative management simulation franchises (Eurogamer). It is a strategy that has previously seen Frontier licence the Jurassic World and Planet Zoo brands, both of which became steady sellers for the studio.

The timing is notable. Frontier announced the Disney deal roughly one week before it is scheduled to release its quarterly earnings. A new partnership with one of the world's most recognised entertainment brands gives the studio a fresh narrative for investors — particularly after a period in which Frontier has navigated mixed commercial results across its recent releases.

For players, the appeal is straightforward. Frontier's park-building games are already praised for their depth and creative freedom. Adding Disney characters, rides or worlds to that formula is the kind of combination that tends to sell itself — though whether the game draws on Marvel, Star Wars, classic animation or something else entirely remains under wraps.

No release date has been set. No platforms have been named. For now, the deal itself is the news: a studio known for letting players build their own theme parks now has the keys to Disney's catalogue.