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.
