Planet (series)
A simulation franchise by Frontier Developments featuring theme parks and zoos.
Planet is a series of construction and management simulation games from the British developer Frontier Developments. The franchise includes two established lines—Planet Coaster and Planet Zoo—with a third new IP in the works. So far, three games have been released, and a fourth, Planet Zoo 2, is set to arrive on 13 October 2026.
Frontier, known for earlier titles like RollerCoaster Tycoon 3, Thrillville, and Zoo Tycoon, launched the first Planet game, Planet Coaster, in November 2016, followed by Planet Zoo in November 2019. After 2020, the company tried branching into other genres with games such as the F1 Manager series and Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin, but that strategy did not work out. Frontier then refocused on its core simulation strengths, releasing Planet Coaster 2 in November 2024 and planning Planet Zoo 2 for October 2026. In June 2026, the studio announced a completely new Planet IP, expected to be the fifth franchise installment, with a projected 2028 release.
Planet Coaster sold over 400,000 copies in its first month, reached one million by August 2017, and two million by January 2019. By January 2020, it had sold over 2.5 million copies. Planet Zoo sold more than one million units within its first six months.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Planet
- Genre
- Construction and management simulation
- Developer
- Frontier Developments
- Platforms
- macOS · PlayStation 4 · PlayStation 5 · Windows · Xbox One · Xbox Series X/S
- First Release Version
- Planet Coaster
- First Release Date
- 17 November 2016
- Latest Release Version
- Planet Coaster 2
- Latest Release Date
- 6 November 2024
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Planet IP was created by Frontier Developments, a British video game developer known for titles such as RollerCoaster Tycoon 3, Thrillville, Thrillville: Off the Rails, and Zoo Tycoon. The inaugural entry, Planet Coaster, was released in November 2016, followed by Planet Zoo in November 2019. After 2020, Frontier pursued a diversification strategy with titles in other genres, including F1 Manager and Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin, but this approach proved unsuccessful, leading the company to refocus on its core management simulation expertise. Consequently, Planet Coaster 2 was released in November 2024, and Planet Zoo 2 is scheduled for October 2026.
Reader's Guide
The Planet series represents a key return to form for Frontier Developments after a period of diversification into other genres. The franchise's success is evident in sales figures: Planet Coaster sold over 400,000 copies in its first month, reached one million copies by August 2017, two million by January 2019, and over 2.5 million by January 2020. Planet Zoo surpassed one million units sold within its first six months of release. The series' significance lies in its consolidation of Frontier's expertise in management simulation, leading to the development of a third new Planet IP announced in June 2026, projected for 2028 as the fifth installment in the franchise. The series has established a dedicated fanbase and serves as a cornerstone of Frontier's portfolio, demonstrating the enduring appeal of detailed construction and management gameplay.
Did You Know?
- Planet Zoo surpassed 1 million units sold within its first six months.
- A third brand new Planet IP was announced in June 2026, with a projected release in 2028.
- Planet Zoo 2 is scheduled to launch on 13 October 2026.
More in Characters
Elsewhere in Planet Zoo
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