There Is No Reason Not To Play South Of Midnight Anymore

Compulsion Games has officially taken the reins of South of Midnight, now listed as its publisher on Steam. The studio, newly spun off from Xbox last month amid a sweeping corporate reset that saw thousands of employees, including some Compulsion staff, lose their positions, now owns full rights to the title. Consequently, every purchase of the game will funnel revenue directly to Compulsion rather than to Xbox.

Since its launch last year, I have championed South of Midnight as one of the most authentic Southern Gothic experiences in gaming. The game feels like a heartfelt love letter to African American culture, resonating even with those of us who grew up in the Midwest. It conjures memories of a country‑wise uncle who, despite living in Gary, Indiana, spoke with a genuine Southern drawl and would take us fishing for catfish as large as the game’s guiding character, Catfish, who mentors the protagonist Hazel.

Every corner of the game is filled with subtle, beautiful details—whispers that echo the voices of Black grandmothers and mothers who cherished Black art. Yet, its approachable design makes it an inviting introduction to Southern culture for players of all backgrounds.

With the publisher transition complete, any lingering hesitations about diving into this evocative title have vanished. It’s the perfect time to explore the world of South of Midnight and experience its rich storytelling firsthand.