[Industry news] Frontier Developments partners with Chester Zoo for Planet Zoo 2 Zoological Summit

This is a press release posted alongside our usual editorial content.

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.”