Frontier are making a new Planet strategy management game that features neither Zoos nor Coasters

Frontier Developments is developing a new entry in its Planet franchise that abandons the studio's signature themes of animal management and theme park construction. The untitled project represents a strategic pivot for the British developer, moving away from the zoo and coaster-building mechanics that defined Planet Zoo and Planet Coaster.

The new game remains a strategy management title, maintaining Frontier's core design philosophy around player creativity and system simulation. However, Frontier has confirmed the project features a "completely new setting," suggesting a departure from entertainment venue management entirely. The studio has not disclosed what industry or context players will manage in this iteration.

Frontier built its reputation on deep, accessible management sims. Planet Coaster launched in 2016 to critical acclaim, offering PC players granular control over theme park design with intuitive building tools. Planet Zoo followed in 2019, applying similar design principles to wildlife park management. Both games spawned extensive DLC expansions, indicating strong player retention and monetization potential.

This new Planet game signals Frontier's willingness to expand the franchise beyond its established playgrounds. The studio continues developing Elite Dangerous and maintains its games-as-service portfolio, but a fresh strategic management concept could attract different player segments. Whether the franchise name carries enough weight to sell players on an entirely new setting remains unproven.

Frontier has not announced a release window or platform commitments. The studio typically supports PC alongside console versions, but details remain sparse. Early confirmation suggests the project exists in active development rather than pre-production, though Frontier often announces games years before launch.

The Planet brand now spans three distinct gameplay experiences if this project launches as planned. Success depends on whether Frontier can replicate the approachable depth that made Planet Zoo and Planet Coaster hits without the thematic hooks that initially drew players into those worlds.