Planet Zoo and Coaster developer attributes growth to "strong trading, disciplined cost control, and higher tax and expenditure credits"

Frontier Developments has reported record financial results following its June trade update.

Adjusted operating profit increased by 62% to £21.4 million in FY26, the highest in the company’s history.

The UK-based studio attributed this growth to "strong trading, disciplined cost control, and higher tax and expenditure credits."

It noted that without a one-time £3.9 million gain from selling publishing rights in the previous financial year, adjusted operating profit "more than doubled year-on-year."

Total revenue rose 16% to £104.8 million, driven by Jurassic World Evolution 3 and the Planet Coaster and Planet Zoo franchises.

Operating profit grew 97% to £25.0 million, which the developer said "reflect[ed] strong underlying trading performance alongside a one-off transitional tax credit of £4.4 million."

Frontier has also made leadership changes, appointing Dan Lazarides as chief marketing officer last month. David Braben will retain his roles as president and founder as he moves to a non-executive director on October 1, 2026.

As part of its long-term roadmap, the studio recently signed an agreement with Disney to develop and publish a new title based on its portfolio and IP.

Planet Zoo 2 is scheduled to launch on October 13, 2026, and Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Deathwatch will release before the end of FY27.

Frontier is developing a new content management system (CMS) game based on its own IP, which is "in full development and is on track." The studio aims to release an average of one CMS game per year.

"FY26 was a landmark year for Frontier," said CEO Jo Cooke. "We delivered record financial performance, demonstrated the strength of our CMS strategy, and continued to invest in the world-class franchises our players love, supporting vibrant communities and long-term engagement across our portfolio.

"With a strong balance sheet, a talented team, and an exciting roadmap ahead, we are well positioned to deliver sustainable growth, enduring player value, and long-term returns for our stakeholders."

Frontier president David Braben added: "I am immensely proud of what our talented teams have achieved together since I founded Frontier in 1994, and excited about the opportunities ahead. I have tremendous confidence in Jo as CEO to build on Frontier's strong foundations and deliver long-term success, together with the excellent leadership team.

"This transition allows me to concentrate on what I can do to help that journey, including oversight of our games, and I look forward to continuing to support Frontier and Jo in the years to come."

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