Renowned Canadian studio, Compulsion Games, is making a triumphant return with their latest project, South of Midnight. This highly anticipated third-person action adventure takes players on a thrilling journey through a captivating world of magic, monsters, and enchanting blues melodies. The debut trailer offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the game’s unique setting, showcasing the protagonist, Hazel, as she confronts both the supernatural and her own destiny.
South of Midnight is currently in development for Xbox Series X/S and PC, with a Steam release confirmed. Additionally, the game will be available on Game Pass on launch day, although an official release date has yet to be announced. Since its acquisition by Xbox in 2018, Compulsion Games has been diligently crafting this ambitious title, drawing inspiration from their previous acclaimed works, We Happy Few and Contrast.
The game unfolds in a fictional town nestled in the southern United States, infusing the experience with the mystical charm of Southern Gothic. Creative director David Sears describes South of Midnight as a heartfelt love letter to the genre, beautifully blending magical realism with haunting aesthetics. In an interview with Xbox Wire, Sears elaborated on the game’s thematic elements, promising players an unforgettable journey.
At the core of South of Midnight lies the power of Weaving, a magical ability that serves as the game’s central mechanic. Hazel, the courageous young protagonist, wields this formidable skill to both combat supernatural creatures and traverse the expansive world before her. Hailing from the quaint town of Prospero, Hazel assumes the role of a “protector,” tasked with not only hunting down these mystical creatures but also repairing the fragile fabric of reality, which allows them to breach into our world. The monsters themselves draw inspiration from the rich tapestry of Southern folklore, evoking a sense of wonder and terror in equal measure. Music also plays a pivotal role in the game, with blues, gospel, and folk tunes serving as an integral part of the experience.
One notable aspect of South of Midnight is its portrayal of Hazel, a young Black woman. Sears acknowledges that such representation remains a rarity in the gaming industry, emphasizing the importance of exploring her character in this particular setting. He states, “To tell the story of a Black woman in this setting creates another level of complexity that the team had to meet with curiosity and empathy.” In order to achieve this, Compulsion Games ensured proper representation within their team, with Black women and women of color actively contributing to the narrative development process. This commitment to authenticity and inclusivity aims to deliver a genuine and nuanced portrayal of Hazel’s journey.
As the gaming community eagerly awaits South of Midnight, expectations run high for Compulsion Games. With its enchanting world, captivating gameplay mechanics, and diverse representation, the studio aims to set a new standard for storytelling in the industry. Fans and newcomers alike eagerly anticipate unraveling the mysteries of this Southern Gothic tale when the game finally launches, leaving players spellbound in a world where magic, monsters, and the blues converge.
