Compulsion Games, recently cut loose by Microsoft and now operating independently, has secured another award for its upcoming title, South of Midnight. The magic-infused action-adventure game was honored with Game of the Year at the Games for Change Festival held in New York.
During the acceptance speech, producer and studio general manager Geneviève Forget remarked on the game's themes of resilience and growth, stating, "The word change right now feels really timely for us because Compulsion Games is going back to being independent. That is scary, that is exciting. We built something special, this team, and I know our team, my friends, our friends, will carry our spirit wherever we go and spread it across the industry."
South of Midnight has previously received accolades, including a Peabody Award. Xbox's chief content officer Matt Booty had acknowledged these awards two months prior, calling the recognition "inspiring" and a reflection of the team's "care and craft" and the game's power to tell meaningful stories.
Microsoft's recent strategic shift within its gaming division involves divesting from smaller, creatively ambitious projects in favor of major franchises. While studios like Compulsion have been allowed to retain intellectual property such as South of Midnight and have been offered continued support, this transition has also led to significant layoffs and downsizing for the studios. Compulsion Games has recently been seeking talent through LinkedIn.
Producer Anamaria Musca commented on the current industry climate, noting, "It’s very weird times, our industry is growing and we’re still seeing layoffs and our hearts are with all of our friends and families and coworkers that have lost jobs over the last years. But this is starting to feel more like a community than an industry, and I think it’s important that we remember that games are made by people, and it’s our friends and family and all of us standing up for each other, being part of this community, and making one of the best art forms there is."