Compulsion Games, the creative force behind the critically acclaimed We Happy Few, is diving into uncharted territory with their upcoming action-adventure title, South of Midnight. Set for release in 2025, this evocative journey will be available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, as well as included with Xbox Game Pass. Promising a blend of Southern folklore, magical realism, and heartfelt storytelling, this game is poised to be one of the most unique entries in the genre.

A Journey Into the Heart of Southern Gothic Mythos

South of Midnight is set in a fantastical reimagining of the American Deep South, where lush, decaying landscapes serve as the backdrop to a deeply personal tale. Players assume the role of Hazel, a young woman thrust into a mystical odyssey after a hurricane devastates her hometown of Prospero. In the aftermath, Hazel discovers she is a Weaver—one with the power to repair the frayed connections of her world.

As she ventures deeper into this Southern Gothic reality, Hazel encounters supernatural creatures rooted in Southern folklore, known as “Haints.” These creatures aren’t merely enemies but damaged beings weighed down by their own traumas. Using her Weaving powers, Hazel must mend these spirits while grappling with her family’s tangled past and uncovering secrets about her own identity.

At its core, South of Midnight is a coming-of-age story wrapped in a rich tapestry of folklore, family, and resilience. It’s a journey of self-discovery, told through a narrative that draws heavily from the traditions and magic of the American South.

Innovative Gameplay and Stunning Presentation

Compulsion Games has crafted a gameplay experience that is as unique as its narrative. South of Midnight offers:

• Dynamic Weaving Powers: Hazel’s abilities allow her to repair physical and emotional wounds in the world. Whether it’s restoring broken structures or freeing trapped spirits, her magic emphasizes non-lethal solutions. Combat, traversal, and puzzles all revolve around her role as a mender rather than a destroyer.
• Stop-Motion Art Style: The game’s striking visual style borrows from stop-motion animation, creating a handcrafted, slightly surreal aesthetic. Characters, environments, and even creature designs appear intentionally “imperfect,” enhancing the game’s otherworldly charm.
• Immersive Southern Soundscapes: Music plays a central role in South of Midnight. The soundtrack draws on a mix of Southern genres, featuring soulful vocals and dark, lyrical melodies. Each mythical creature has its own unique musical theme that evolves as the player learns more about their story.
• Expansive World Design: While the game’s narrative is linear, its “wide-linear” world invites exploration. Regions of Prospero are designed as hubs, rich with biomes, hidden lore, and side quests that flesh out the game’s intricate world.

A Unique Blend of Storytelling

A standout feature of South of Midnight is its storybook-style narrative presentation. Each chapter unfolds as if the player is flipping through the pages of a living folktale. A dynamic narrator guides the journey, adding layers of immersion and framing Hazel’s journey as both deeply personal and universally resonant.

This blend of storytelling is complemented by the game’s Southern Gothic setting, a genre that melds decaying beauty with a sense of the uncanny. The town of Prospero is alive with history, its landscapes teeming with both natural and supernatural elements that reflect the region’s folklore and cultural roots.

A Labor of Love from Compulsion Games

For Compulsion Games, South of Midnight represents their most ambitious project to date. The studio has expanded its team to 80 members to fully realize its vision, creating a game that is as much a piece of art as it is an adventure. Drawing inspiration from Southern culture, magical realism, and personal storytelling, the game is designed to resonate with players on a profound emotional level.

While this is Compulsion Games’ first project as part of Xbox Game Studios, their track record with We Happy Few and Contrast highlights their ability to create rich, immersive worlds. With South of Midnight, they aim to blend meaningful gameplay with a heartfelt narrative that feels both grounded and fantastical.

Prepare for a Magical Adventure

Whether you’re drawn to its unique art direction, compelling characters, or the promise of exploring the American South through a fantastical lens, South of Midnight is shaping up to be a standout title in 2025. Fans of action-adventure games, folklore, and Southern Gothic aesthetics should keep this game firmly on their radar.

Wishlist South of Midnight now and prepare to embark on a magical journey where the line between reality and legend blurs, and every thread in the tapestry of life has a story waiting to be untangled.