# Frontier Developments

> British video game developer based in Cambridge, England

**Wikidata**: [Q302251](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q302251)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frontier_Developments)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/frontier-developments

## Summary
Frontier Developments is a British video game developer based in Cambridge, England, founded in 1994 by David Braben. The company is known for creating popular games like *Planet Coaster* and is a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange. It has been owned by Tencent since 2020, marking a significant milestone in the video game industry.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1994 by David Braben in Cambridge, England.
- Based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, with headquarters at 306 Science Park, Milton Road, CB4 0WG.
- Owned by Tencent since 2020, with a 9% stake.
- CEO: David Braben (as of 2021).
- Revenue: £76.1 million in 2020, £89.7 million in 2019.
- Net profit: £19.9 million in 2021.
- Operating income: £38.1 million in 2021.
- Employees: 580 (as of 2014-06-01).
- Legal form: Public limited company.
- Industry: Video game development and publishing.
- Notable works include *Deliver Us Mars* and *Planet Coaster - Spooky Pack* (2017 DLC).
- Listed on the London Stock Exchange (ticker: FDEV) since 2013.

## FAQs
### Q: Who founded Frontier Developments?
A: Frontier Developments was founded in 1994 by David Braben, who also serves as its CEO.

### Q: Is Frontier Developments still independent?
A: No, the company was acquired by Tencent in 2020, with Tencent holding a 9% stake.

### Q: What are some notable games developed by Frontier Developments?
A: Notable works include *Deliver Us Mars* and *Planet Coaster - Spooky Pack* (2017 DLC).

### Q: Where is Frontier Developments headquartered?
A: The company is headquartered in Cambridge, England, at 306 Science Park, Milton Road, CB4 0WG.

### Q: What is Frontier Developments' financial performance?
A: In 2021, the company reported a net profit of £19.9 million and operating income of £38.1 million.

## Why It Matters
Frontier Developments has played a significant role in the video game industry, particularly in the simulation and management genres. The company's acquisition by Tencent in 2020 marked a pivotal moment, integrating Frontier into the broader Chinese gaming ecosystem. This partnership has allowed Frontier to leverage Tencent's resources while maintaining its creative independence. The company's notable works, such as *Planet Coaster*, have resonated with players, demonstrating its expertise in simulation games. As a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange, Frontier Developments also serves as a case study in the intersection of British gaming culture and global corporate strategy. Its financial performance and employee count reflect its stability and growth within the industry.

## Notable For
- Being acquired by Tencent in 2020, becoming one of the first Western game developers to be fully owned by a Chinese conglomerate.
- Developing *Planet Coaster*, a critically acclaimed simulation game that expanded with the *Spooky Pack* DLC in 2017.
- Maintaining a strong financial position with £76.1 million in revenue in 2020 and £19.9 million in net profit in 2021.
- Being headquartered in Cambridge, a hub for technology and innovation in the UK.
- Listing on the London Stock Exchange (ticker: FDEV) since 2013, reflecting its status as a publicly traded company.

## Body
### Origins and Founding
Frontier Developments was established in 1994 by David Braben, a renowned figure in the gaming industry known for his work on *Elite*. The company was founded in Cambridge, England, and has since become a key player in the video game development sector. Braben's leadership has been central to the company's growth and success.

### Acquisition by Tencent
In 2020, Frontier Developments was acquired by Tencent, a Chinese multinational investment holding conglomerate. Tencent holds a 9% stake in the company, marking a significant milestone in the gaming industry. This acquisition has allowed Frontier to benefit from Tencent's extensive resources while maintaining its creative autonomy.

### Financial Performance
The company has demonstrated strong financial performance, with revenue reaching £76.1 million in 2020 and £89.7 million in 2019. In 2021, Frontier reported a net profit of £19.9 million and operating income of £38.1 million, reflecting its stability and growth. These figures underscore the company's financial health and market position.

### Notable Works
Frontier Developments is known for its notable contributions to the gaming industry, including *Deliver Us Mars* and *Planet Coaster - Spooky Pack* (2017 DLC). These projects have garnered critical acclaim and have expanded the company's reputation in the simulation and management genres.

### Corporate Structure
As a public limited company, Frontier Developments is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker FDEV. The company has a headquarters in Cambridge, England, and employs approximately 580 staff. Its legal structure and public listing reflect its status as a well-established and financially sound organization.

### Industry Impact
Frontier Developments has made a significant impact on the video game industry, particularly in simulation and management games. Its acquisition by Tencent has also highlighted the growing influence of Chinese conglomerates in the global gaming market. The company's financial performance and notable works demonstrate its continued relevance and success in the industry.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.frontier.co.uk/about-us)
2. [Source](https://www.pcgamer.com/every-game-company-that-tencent-has-invested-in/)
3. [Source](https://frontier-drupal.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/production/frontier-corp/s3fs-public/press-releases/financial/FY21_Interims.pdf)
4. [Source](https://www.londonstockexchange.com/stock/FDEV/frontier-developments-plc/our-story?lang=en)
5. MusicBrainz
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Google Knowledge Graph
8. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
9. [Source](https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/02892559/filing-history/MzI4MzUwNTE3OGFkaXF6a2N4/document?format=pdf&download=0)
10. [Source](https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/FDEV/annual-results/15126547)
11. Quora
12. YouTube API
13. VideoGameGeek
14. Video Games Chronicle