Fans of management simulation games have long celebrated the innovative offerings from Frontier, particularly the acclaimed Planet Zoo and Planet Coaster series. These titles have set a high bar in the genre, though the crown for the best management sim of recent times arguably belongs to Two Point Studios’ Two Point Museum. However, with the recent announcement of Planet Zoo 2, there’s a palpable buzz that it may reclaim that top spot.
One of the standout features of Two Point Museum is its fresh approach, allowing players to oversee a unique institution that diverges from the more traditional settings of theme parks or hospitals. This creative direction has resonated well with audiences, and it appears that Frontier is also venturing into new territory. The company recently hinted at an upcoming management sim that will not revolve around zoos or rollercoasters, igniting speculation among fans on platforms like Reddit, as reported by Rock, Paper, Shotgun.
Speculation and Trademark Insights
The excitement among Planet enthusiasts is palpable, with various theories circulating about the nature of this new game. Some of the most popular suggestions include:
- Planet Resort: A game centered on managing a chain of hotels.
- Planet Festival: A simulation where players oversee concerts and events.
- Planet City: A city-building experience reminiscent of SimCity and Cities: Skylines.
While these ideas are captivating, the most compelling clues may lie within the nine new trademarks filed by Frontier. Notably, while Planet City is absent from the list, both Planet Resort and Planet Festival have made the cut. Other intriguing titles include Planet Farm, Planet Vacation, Planet Dinosaur, Planet Prehistoric, Planet Fantasy, Planet Mythical Creatures, and Planet Dragon.
Although some of these options, like Planet Farm, may feel too similar to Planet Zoo, Frontier’s mention of a “completely new setting for us” suggests a departure from familiar themes. This statement raises questions about whether the new game will draw inspiration from existing management sims.
Among the proposed titles, Planet Resort seems the most plausible, aligning closely with the themes of Coaster and Zoo. However, the concept of Planet Fantasy, featuring dragons and knights, sparks the imagination, even if it may present challenges for a Frontier-style management experience. Regardless of the direction taken, it’s likely that fans will have to wait until at least 2028 for this new title, especially with Planet Zoo 2 set to launch later this year and the historical two-year gap between previous releases.
