--- title: "Julian Gollop's new challenge: accessible strategy for everyone" description: "Julian Gollop's new accessible strategy game targets newcomers first: simpler mechanics, a welcoming tone, encouraging early feedback and a necessary evolution for the strategy genre. 5 min read." url: https://after-strategy.com/en/julian-gollop-new-accessible-strategy-game-for-everyone/ lang: en published: 2025-09-16 author: "Simon Dougnac" author_url: https://after-strategy.com/en/auteur/simon/ categories: [grand-strategy] translations: fr: https://after-strategy.com/fr/julian-gollop-et-son-nouveau-jeu-de-strategie-accessible/ es: https://after-strategy.com/es/julian-gollop-nuevo-juego-estrategia-accesible-para-todos/ publisher: "After Strategy" --- # Julian Gollop's new challenge: accessible strategy for everyone > Julian Gollop's new accessible strategy game targets newcomers first: simpler mechanics, a welcoming tone, encouraging early feedback and a necessary evolution for the strategy genre. 5 min read. ## The new challenge of [Julian Gollop](https://after-strategy.com/en/julian-gollop-new-game-pleases-beginners-not-xcom-fans/): strategy for everyone - **Change of direction:** a new project aimed at broadening the strategy game audience. - **Simplicity:** a return to accessible mechanics for newcomers. - **Inclusivity:** the trend of attracting new players without worrying about old fans. - **Positive feedback:** the first player reactions are encouraging and promising. - **Future of the genre:** a necessary evolution for modern strategy games. ### Table of contents - [Introduction](#h-introduction) - [A bold change of direction](#h-un-changement-de-cap-audacieux) - [A new, varied audience](#h-un-public-nouveau-et-varie) - [Simplicity at the heart of the experience](#h-la-simplicite-au-coeur-de-lexperience) - [A welcoming atmosphere for everyone](#h-une-atmosphere-accueillante-pour-tous) - [Early player feedback](#h-les-retours-des-premiers-joueurs) - [Minimal pressure on the old fanbase](#h-une-pression-minimale-sur-les-anciennes-bases) - [A bright future for strategy](#h-un-avenir-radieux-pour-la-strategie) - [Conclusion](#h-conclusion) ### Introduction You have surely heard of **X-COM**, one of the must-play strategy games. But even though this classic marked generations of gamers, its creator, **Julian Gollop**, seems to have a new motto: do not worry about old fans. His new project, which moves somewhat away from traditional strategy game mechanics, attracts a new audience, and that is making quite a splash. So, why this boldness? And above all, how could his new game appeal even to those who have never dipped a toe into the world of strategy games? ### A bold change of direction Julian Gollop has decided to take a different path with his new game. Unlike **X-COM**, which relies on well-oiled turn-based strategy mechanics, his new project targets a wider audience. But be careful, this is not just a marketing ploy — it is a genuine desire to reach people who have never tasted this type of game. He highlights an essential point: _"It works for people who may never have played a strategy game."_ Gollop wants to prove that strategy can be accessible, even for those without a seasoned gamer background. ### A new, varied audience The fact that Gollop is not concerned about the "old" **X-COM** fans reveals a broader trend in the video game industry: a strategy centered on inclusivity. The creator understands that the market is evolving, that new players arrive with different expectations. With next-gen consoles and increasingly accessible games, many want to discover the pleasure of strategy without getting lost in complex mechanics. ### Simplicity at the heart of the experience One of the strong points of his new project is its simplicity. Gollop wants players to have fun without making their lives too complicated. This return to an intuitive interface and easy-to-understand mechanics is a real plus. Simplified but interesting rules — that is what will attract newcomers and strategy buffs alike. This is not about buttering up old fans, but rather about opening the doors to all those who have always stayed away from this kind of game. ### A welcoming atmosphere for everyone The other aspect worth mentioning is the game's very atmosphere. Instead of sticking to dark themes and overly serious military settings, Gollop opted for a lighter tone, creating a universe where players immediately feel at ease. This plays a key role in attracting those who might be intimidated by the complexity of an **X-COM**. ### Early player feedback The first reactions to the new game are simply encouraging. Many players, still novices in the world of strategy games, say they are won over. The fact that these players have no point of comparison with **X-COM** could even be an advantage. They are not weighed down by what they expect from a traditional strategy game. They enjoy the new mechanics, the fun-first approach, and that is exactly what Gollop wants. ### Minimal pressure on the old fanbase Gollop has clearly taken a stance on what could be called **"fan pressure."** Rather than fearing rejection from old players, he seems to consider that their satisfaction should not be the main criterion for success. His vision is clear: if the new game manages to win over new fans, that is already a victory. After all, **X-COM** has left an undeniable legacy, and it is now time to explore new directions. ### A bright future for strategy It is clear that this desire to include a wider range of players is not just a marketing gimmick. It is a necessary evolution in the world of video games, a world that must adapt to keep growing. Gollop, with his expertise and vision, could very well pave the way for new engaging experiences in the field of strategy games. ### Conclusion Ultimately, **Julian Gollop**'s strategy is not only smart, it is also opportunistic. By targeting a new audience while keeping the core values that made his previous titles successful, he manages to create an engaging interface for everyone. Whether you are an old **X-COM** fan or a curious newcomer, there is a good chance this new game could captivate you. Either way, one thing is certain: the future of strategy games seems to be in good hands. ### FAQ - [What is Julian Gollop's new project?](#h-quel-est-le-nouveau-projet-de-julian-gollop) - [How does the new game differ from other strategy games?](#h-comment-le-nouveau-jeu-se-distingue-t-il-des-autres-jeux-de-strategie) - [Who is the new game's target audience?](#h-quel-est-le-public-cible-du-nouveau-jeu) ## See also - [All grand strategy games](https://after-strategy.com/en/categorie/grand-strategy/) - [All turn-based games](https://after-strategy.com/en/categorie/tour-par-tour/) ## Sources - [Official Phoenix Point Steam page](https://store.steampowered.com/app/839770/Phoenix_Point/) - [Official Phoenix Point website](https://phoenixpoint.info/) ## Sources - - Source : [Julian Gollop's new challenge: accessible strategy for everyone](https://after-strategy.com/en/julian-gollop-new-accessible-strategy-game-for-everyone/) — After Strategy