Frontier Developments signs up with Universal for third Jurassic World game
Frontier Developments has signed a licence with Universal Products & Experiences for a third Jurassic World game.
The deal follows the major success of Jurassic World Evolution and Jurassic World Evolution 2, released in June 2018 and November 2021 respectively.
In February 2024, Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment announced an all-new Jurassic World event film currently scheduled for release on 2 July, 2025. Frontier has scheduled the new title for release in its financial year 2026 – between 1 June, 2025, and 31 May, 2026.
Jurassic World Evolution and Jurassic World Evolution 2 rank first and second respectively within Frontier’s game portfolio in terms of revenue generated in their first two years, with Jurassic World Evolution being Frontier’s best-selling game to date since its release almost six years ago.
Jonny Watts, CEO, said: “We are delighted to reveal that we are developing a third Jurassic World game to extend our collaborative relationship with Universal Products & Experiences for our best-selling game franchise.
“Our Jurassic World Evolution game franchise has showcased great creative and technical expertise in CMS (construction and management simulation) games and the strength of our select, develop, launch, and nurture strategy in the genre.
“I very much look forward to providing more information on our exciting plans for the franchise in the future.”
A CMS game is a subgenre of simulation gaming in which players build, expand or manage fictional communities or projects with limited resources.
Market commentators were enthusiastic about Frontier’s announcement. Alasdair Young at Panmure Gordon said: “In comparison to Jurassic World Evolution 2, the timing also looks better on a number of fronts.
“Firstly, the game will launch with - not ahead of - a major new Hollywood film.
“Secondly, in contrast to the relatively short pauses between the last CMS games, there will be clear daylight of potentially 4.5 years since Frontier’s last park management game.”
From distressed levels, the shares have performed strongly as cash concerns recede (+125 per cent YTD). Panmure’s analyst suggests that “the next step-change in the rating will be conditional on a return to cash generation” and adds: “This update lends credibility to such an outcome.”
