Character Artist

Planet Zoo 2 partners with BIAZA to bring real conservation into play. Frontier Developments has announced a partnership with BIAZA for Planet Zoo 2, aiming to integrate real-world conservation standards and animal welfare into the upcoming game for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S Planet Zoo 2 is not just promising a new set of animals or habitats-it is now officially tying its virtual ambitions to the real-world expertise of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). Announced at the Chester Zoo summit, this partnership signals a deliberate move by Frontier Developments to ground its next management simulation in the standards and practices that shape modern zoos and aquariums across the UK and Ireland. According to reporting from Roastbrief US, the Planet Zoo 2 Zoological Summit was held at Chester Zoo on 11-12 September 2026, providing hands-on previews for influencers and fans ahead of the game's launch. Collaboration with conservation experts. The agreement with BIAZA, revealed during the Planet Zoo 2 Zoological Summit, is more than a marketing flourish. BIAZA's accreditation programme is known for enforcing high standards in animal welfare, habitat design and conservation. By working directly with the association, Frontier Developments is positioning Planet Zoo 2 as a simulation that reflects the complexities and responsibilities of real-world zoo management, rather than a simplified sandbox. Independent coverage, including CBR and GameSpew, frames Planet Zoo 2 as a larger, more immersive sequel, emphasizing depth, management complexity, and multi-species habitat building. BIAZA's involvement brings a wealth of practical conservation experience. Its members have contributed to over 1,000 conservation projects and more than 1,600 research initiatives, welcoming upwards of 31 million visitors in 2025. These figures are not abstract: they represent active efforts such as pioneering research into elephant diseases at Chester Zoo, the reintroduction of Przewalski's wild horses in Kazakhstan, and the conservation of rare native species like the glutinous snail and crystal moss animal. While no high-quality independent source was surfaced that cleanly quantified BIAZA's conservation totals without relying on original press coverage, sector reporting highlights BIAZA as a major conservation network rather than just a branding partner. Gameplay features and real-world impact. Planet Zoo 2 is set to expand its simulation scope with the introduction of aviaries and aquariums, allowing players to design and manage habitats for a broader range of species. According to Insider Gaming and GameSpew, the game will also enable players to restore natural environments and release animals into Wildlife Reserves, extending conservation efforts beyond the boundaries of the zoo itself. These features represent a substantial gameplay step beyond the original zoo-only focus and are designed to mirror the multi-faceted work of BIAZA-accredited institutions, where conservation is not limited to animal enclosures but involves addressing threats such as climate change, pollution and habitat loss. Frontier Developments has stated that the collaboration with BIAZA will inform both the research underpinning the game and the way animal welfare is represented. The intention is to encourage players to think critically about the challenges facing wildlife, rather than simply building the most attractive or profitable zoo. This approach echoes the studio's previous focus on authenticity in management simulation, but with a sharper emphasis on conservation outcomes. Recent official game marketing, as reported by IGN ZA and TechTimes, has confirmed the Sumatran orangutan as a featured animal in the standard edition, highlighting a globally threatened species and reinforcing the game's conservation message. Release timing and platform details. Planet Zoo 2 is scheduled for release on 13 October 2026, targeting PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Multiple recent previews and coverage, including CBR and Simulation Daily, converge on this release date and platform set. The announcement follows a trend of simulation games seeking to integrate real-world science and conservation, as seen in other recent titles reported earlier by NGB. However, Planet Zoo 2's direct partnership with a leading zoo and aquarium association sets it apart in terms of claimed authenticity and educational ambition. Frontier Developments, based in Cambridge, is known for its proprietary COBRA technology and a portfolio of creative management simulations, including Planet Coaster and Jurassic World Evolution. The studio's strategy continues to centre on long-term engagement and robust back-catalogue performance, with Planet Zoo 2 positioned as a flagship release for 2026. According to Journal du Geek, Frontier is also advancing a separate Disney project, which it will fully finance, develop, and publish, though no title or release window has been disclosed. What the partnership means for players. For players, the BIAZA partnership means that Planet Zoo 2 will not only offer new gameplay systems but will also challenge them to consider the ethical and practical realities of animal care and conservation. The inclusion of sign language in educational signage, as implemented at Dublin Zoo, and the focus on accessibility and inclusivity, are examples of how the game may reflect real-world initiatives. While the full extent of BIAZA's influence on gameplay remains to be seen, the collaboration is a clear statement of intent: Planet Zoo 2 is aiming to be more than a management sandbox, aspiring to educate as well as entertain. Understanding the difference between a simulation grounded in real-world standards and one built purely for entertainment is crucial for players interested in management games. Accreditation programmes like BIAZA's require member zoos and aquariums to meet rigorous benchmarks in animal welfare, conservation, education and research. When a game draws directly from these standards, it can offer a more nuanced and responsible depiction of zoo management, challenging players to balance creativity with ethical stewardship and scientific accuracy.

[Industry news] Frontier Developments partners with Chester Zoo for Planet Zoo 2 Zoological Summit. Frontier Developments, the British video game developer and publisher behind much-loved creative management simulation games including Planet Coaster and Jurassic World Evolution, teamed-up with Chester Zoo and Circle Agency to create a two-day immersive event to offer fans the chance to get hands on with Planet Zoo 2 for the first time. Taking place at Chester Zoo across 11 and 12 September, Planet Zoo 2's Zoological Summit invited over 50 influencers and hundreds of fans who donated to Chester Zoo in order to enjoy a pre-release sneak peek of Planet Zoo 2, exclusive showcases and world-first gameplay ahead of its official release on 13 October 2026. Ten lucky creators also got to stay at Chester Zoo's overnight lodges for an exclusive twilight zoo tour. Alongside gameplay, attendees were immersed in the world of Planet Zoo 2 and its connections to real zoos via the 'Zoological Summit': a learning experience delivered by both zoo experts and Planet Zoo developers, which tied back to the game's new animals, habitat builds and conservation themes. The event also featured a gallery displaying artwork from various stages of the new game's development and daytime zoo tours. For Frontier's global fanbase, the summit was livestreamed from Chester Zoo on YouTube alongside live gameplay and competition opportunities. To bring the game to life in the real world, Circle Agency transformed Chester Zoo's existing kiosks into Planet Zoo 2 themed food and drink stations, including Perky Panda Coffee, Pipshot Juices and Toucan Eat Pizza. Additionally, photo opportunities and education stations from inside the game were built to scale for guests to grab a selfie. Plus, exclusive Planet Zoo 2 merchandise was available to purchase through the 'Trunk of Trinkets' shop. As a charity partner, Chester Zoo received a proportion of the funds raised over the two-day event, which goes toward supporting their inspiring work in rebuilding the Javan Green Magpie population. Circle Agency was awarded the business after a competitive pitch process, which included globally recognisable agencies across film and entertainment. Dan Lazarides, Chief Marketing Officer at Frontier Developments, said: "The Planet Zoo 2 Zoological Summit blended the opportunity for world-first gameplay with a moment to bring together zoos, charities and conservation groups to deepen our player's understanding of the key themes from the game. Planet Zoo 2 has an incredible community behind it, who are all passionate and knowledgeable, who love sharing tips and advice, and highlighting where Planet Zoo and the real world intersect. This event allowed us to elevate and celebrate that community, while creating the perfect moment as we head into launch." Claire Grecian, Founder and CEO of Circle Agency, said: "This campaign was complex because it had to appeal to influencers, in-person consumers and streamers in ways that were appropriate for each audience while delivering the same experience. Fortunately, our gaming event and technical broadcast experience meant that we had the basics covered and could concentrate on creating the perfect immersive and educational experience for every audience group. The game is incredible. Bringing its world to life has been an absolute joy."

"Landmark year" for video game developer as revenues top £100m. 9 Sep 2026, 08:00 The Cambridge-based developer behind the Planet Zoo and Jurassic World video game franchises has hailed record results with an "exciting roadmap ahead". Frontier Developments saw revenue grow 16 per cent in the 12 months ended 31 May 2026 to £104.8m, while operating profit almost doubled to £25m. It comes ahead of the October release of Planet Zoo 2, with Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate - Deathwatch to follow before the end of the 2027 financial year. A new creative management simulation (CMS) game set to establish another Planet franchise is also in development for release in the 2028 financial year. Jo Cooke, who stepped up as chief executive in January 2026, said: "FY26 was a landmark year for Frontier. "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." David Braben, president and founder of Frontier, said: "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 chief executive 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."