Julian Gollop Expresses Interest in Phoenix Point Sequel, Citing Lessons Learned and Evolving Genre Landscape
Julian Gollop, the visionary creator behind the seminal X-COM series, has signaled a strong desire to develop a sequel to Phoenix Point, his spiritual successor to the beloved tactical strategy franchise. Despite acknowledging the considerable challenges encountered during the development of the original game, Gollop remains committed to pushing the boundaries of the strategy genre, suggesting that the lessons learned from Phoenix Point’s ambitious journey could pave the way for a more refined and impactful follow-up.
The Strategic Vision of Julian Gollop
Julian Gollop has long been a pivotal figure in the evolution of strategy gaming. His foundational work with X-COM established a blueprint for tactical turn-based combat, deep strategic management, and high-stakes decision-making that continues to influence developers today. In recent years, Gollop has continued to explore new avenues within the genre, striving to balance innovative mechanics with player accessibility.
Embracing Innovation with “Chip ‘N Clawz”
As of August 26, 2025, Gollop’s studio, Snapshot Games, launched a new title, Chip ‘N Clawz vs. The Brainioids. This game represents a deliberate departure from the grim, complex themes of Phoenix Point. Described as an action-strategy game with a bright, comic-book aesthetic, it blends third-person action with real-time strategy elements, drawing inspiration from games like Pikmin and classic RTS titles. Gollop stated his intention for “Chip ‘N Clawz” was to experiment with making strategy games more accessible and immersive, aiming to engage players who might not typically gravitate towards the genre. This project serves as a testament to his ongoing curiosity and willingness to explore different facets of strategy game design, potentially reaching a broader audience than his previous, more niche titles.
The game’s design philosophy for “Chip ‘N Clawz” prioritizes fast-paced, pick-up-and-play missions, featuring easy-to-learn yet satisfying mechanics. It includes a humorous story campaign, co-op support, and online multiplayer modes. Gollop indicated that this foray into a more colorful and action-oriented strategy game allows him to explore new mechanics and player engagement strategies. However, he has also emphasized that this experimental direction does not signify an abandonment of deeper, more complex strategy games. Instead, it complements his broader vision for the genre.
The Enduring Appeal of Deep Strategy
While “Chip ‘N Clawz” aims for broader appeal, Gollop firmly believes in the sustained demand for intricate and challenging strategy games. Titles like the original X-COM and, more recently, Phoenix Point cater to a dedicated audience that thrives on complex decision-making, resource management, and high-stakes tactical combat. The desire for a sequel to Phoenix Point underscores that many players are not seeking a simplification of the genre, but rather an evolution of its complexity. These players value games that respect their intelligence, reward strategic planning, and offer a profound sense of accomplishment through mastery of challenging systems. Despite the prevalence of more broadly appealing games, niche genres like hardcore turn-based strategy have demonstrated remarkable resilience and a capacity for innovation, proving that a dedicated player base exists and is willing to support unique and rewarding experiences.
Phoenix Point: A Difficult But Rewarding Endeavor
Reflecting on the development and release of Phoenix Point, Julian Gollop has candidly described it as a “very difficult project.” The game, released initially as an Epic Games Store exclusive before later coming to Steam, aimed to recapture the spirit of the original X-COM while introducing its own innovations. Gollop noted that with crowdfunding, developers make promises that are challenging to fulfill, especially with a game of Phoenix Point’s complexity. The iterative process of backer builds, while necessary, slowed down progress towards the final release. Consequently, the original launch was not without its imperfections, a sentiment Gollop has acknowledged, stating it “was not perfect, shall we say.”
Learning from Past Experiences
Despite the challenges, Gollop has defended Phoenix Point’s innovative elements. The manual aiming system, for instance, was a deliberate design choice intended to foster a more personal and visceral combat experience, providing players with direct visual feedback and tactical agency. This system, along with the game’s detailed physics simulation, contributed to its unique feel. Following its initial release, Snapshot Games continued to work on Phoenix Point, leading to significant improvements, including a much-improved tutorial for the Steam release. This post-launch support and the ongoing development of DLCs have refined the game over time, making its balance more stable than at its Epic launch, with enemies evolving and presenting varied threats. The lessons learned from these development hurdles and player feedback are invaluable, providing Snapshot Games with a deeper understanding of the game’s systems, the intricacies of its physics-based combat, and the expectations of its player base.
The experience gained managing complex projects, mitigating bugs, and implementing effective post-launch updates is crucial. For a potential follow-up, this wealth of knowledge would enable a more efficient approach and a clearer vision for delivering a polished and robust experience from the outset. The community’s response and engagement, particularly through mods like “Terror From The Void,” which addresses balance issues and adds content, also provide insights into player desires and areas for improvement.
The Ideal Conditions for a Sequel
Gollop’s continued interest in the Phoenix Point universe, coupled with his ongoing exploration of new strategic concepts, suggests a long-term vision. He is not solely focused on one-off successes but on cultivating a legacy of thoughtful, engaging strategy games. The prospect of a sequel to Phoenix Point is fueled by several factors that align with current industry advancements and Gollop’s evolving perspective.
Leveraging Advanced Development Tools
As of 2025, game development engines and tools have advanced significantly, offering developers unprecedented power and flexibility. These improvements are particularly beneficial for games like Phoenix Point, which rely on sophisticated physics simulations for tactical combat and intricate environmental interactions. Access to cutting-edge tools could enable a development team to overcome some of the technical hurdles encountered in the first game, allowing for more ambitious features and smoother overall execution. Such advancements could lead to more refined tactical battles, enhanced enemy AI that presents a more dynamic challenge, and a broader scope for the strategic layer, all while preserving the core identity that made Phoenix Point unique.
Addressing Criticisms and Embracing Innovation
Gollop has consistently demonstrated a willingness to engage with player feedback, adapting his designs where appropriate. While acknowledging Phoenix Point’s difficulties, he champions its innovative elements, such as the manual aiming system, which he believes fostered a more personal combat experience. His development of “Chip ‘N Clawz,” a move to reach a broader audience, can be seen as a response to feedback suggesting Phoenix Point was perhaps too niche or inaccessible for some. This adaptability, combined with his extensive pedigree, indicates a developer committed to the continuous evolution of the strategy genre. A sequel would have the opportunity to directly address player criticisms, learn from the initial release’s reception, and build upon its strengths with the benefit of current technology and development experience.
A Future for Deep Strategy?
The continued interest in a Phoenix Point sequel highlights a specific segment of the gaming market that values depth, complexity, and strategic challenge. In an era where many games lean towards simplification for broader appeal, the demand for deeply complex strategy games remains evident. Phoenix Point, with its intricate systems and challenging gameplay, tapped into this demand. A sequel could further refine these elements, offering players the opportunity to immerse themselves once more in a world that respects and rewards strategic mastery.
The Strategic Vision Beyond Immediate Success
The success of an ambitious game is often measured over time. While initial releases can be impacted by technical issues or market reception, the underlying design and potential for future iterations hold significant value. Gollop’s ongoing interest in the Phoenix Point universe signifies a long-term commitment to this particular vision of strategy gaming. He is not merely interested in singular successes but in cultivating a lasting legacy of thoughtful, engaging strategy games that challenge players and explore new possibilities within the genre. This forward-looking perspective is crucial for the sustained health and innovation of the gaming industry, ensuring that complex and rewarding experiences continue to be developed.
With the tactical RPG landscape constantly evolving, the potential for a Phoenix Point sequel, informed by years of development lessons and bolstered by modern tools, presents an exciting prospect for fans of the genre. Julian Gollop’s drive to innovate while respecting the core tenets of deep strategy suggests that any future project in the Phoenix Point universe would aim to deliver an experience that is both familiar to its dedicated player base and forward-thinking in its design.