Contrast
News, coverage and analysis tracking Contrast across the outlets.
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Compulsion Games' buyout is complete, so now Microsoft won't get a cut if you buy South of Midnight
Compulsion Games has completed a management buyout, regaining ownership of its intellectual property from Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios. This separation allows Compulsion to retain a larger share of revenue from games like South of Midnight, which received an 83% review score. The studio, also known for We Happy Few and Contrast, is now independent after rumors of closure following recent layoffs.
Compulsion Games är nu återigen självständiga
Compulsion Games, the studio behind We Happy Few and South of Midnight, has officially become independent after being acquired by Xbox. The studio has bought itself back, regaining full control over its intellectual property and will now self-publish its titles. CEO Guillaume Provost confirmed the team's desire to remain together and continue development on a new title.
IGN Entertainment brings Women In Gaming networking event to Gamescom
IGN Entertainment is hosting a Women in Gaming networking breakfast at Gamescom, supported by GamesIndustry.biz, to foster industry connections. Separately, Compulsion Games has become independent from Xbox, regaining ownership of its intellectual properties including Contrast, We Happy Few, and South of Midnight, with CEO Guillaume Provost prioritizing the team's unity and future profitability.
Compulsion Games officially separates from Xbox – "The team told me we would rather eat rocks and drink gasoline than be split up"
Compulsion Games has officially become independent from Xbox, with CEO Guillaume Provost leading a management buyout that returns ownership of the studio and its intellectual properties to the team. Provost emphasized the decision was made to keep the team together, especially after recent layoffs at Xbox. The studio, known for games like We Happy Few, is now focused on securing stable funding and self-sustainability while exploring new partnerships.
Compulsion Games becomes publisher of South of Midnight on Steam, suggesting departure from Xbox amid major restructuring is now complete
Compulsion Games is now listed as the publisher of South of Midnight on Steam, indicating its complete separation from Xbox following recent restructuring. The studio, which also regained rights to its previous titles Contrast and We Happy Few, is now operating as an independent entity. South of Midnight, released in spring 2025, received praise for its visuals and music integration but was criticized for shallow gameplay.
Compulsion Games seeks new partnerships following spin-out from from Xbox
Compulsion Games has announced its return to independent development after being spun out from Xbox. The studio, known for South of Midnight, is now seeking new partnerships to leverage its team's talent and creativity. Compulsion Games retains the rights to its previous titles, including Contrast, We Happy Few, and South of Midnight.
Days after leaving Xbox, South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games broadcasts that it's looking for work
Following its separation from Microsoft's Xbox division due to layoffs, Compulsion Games is actively seeking new collaboration opportunities with other studios. The developer of South of Midnight and We Happy Few aims to leverage its award-winning talent to support external projects while retaining ownership of its existing IPs.
The Gaming Industry Is Eating Itself Alive
Xbox is undergoing a massive restructuring, including 3,200 layoffs, impacting numerous studios and divisions like Activision, Bethesda, and Blizzard. While some studios regain independence and first-party projects remain safe for now, the article criticizes Xbox's overall strategy, citing Game Pass's performance and declining hardware revenue. The piece also touches on PlayStation's similar issues with digital ownership and preservation, painting a bleak picture for the future of gaming costs and ownership.
Compulsion Games and Double Fine confirm "Independence Day" from Xbox
Compulsion Games and Double Fine have confirmed their return to independent management following significant layoffs and studio divestitures at Xbox. Compulsion Games will retain the rights to its titles, including We Happy Few and South of Midnight, while Double Fine also regains ownership of its games. This news comes as part of broader restructuring within Xbox's gaming division, affecting multiple studios.
Independent again: Double Fine and Compulsion react to leaving Xbox and taking all their games with them
Double Fine Productions and Compulsion Games are returning to independent development after being let go by Microsoft as part of Xbox restructuring. Both studios will retain ownership of their games, including Psychonauts 2, Keeper, and South of Midnight. This move follows a period of significant layoffs and strategic shifts within Xbox.
Microsoft needs to "reset Xbox," says Asha Sharma, as the company lays off 3,200 employees
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing significant restructuring, with approximately 3,200 employees being laid off throughout the 2027 fiscal year, including 1,600 immediately. CEO Asha Sharma stated the business is not healthy and operating at lower margins than comparable companies. Several studios, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions, will transition to independent management, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are set to be acquired by new owners.
Compulsion Games is returning to independent management amid sweeping Xbox reorganization: 'Our immediate priority…
Compulsion Games is returning to independent management following a significant reorganization at Xbox and Microsoft, which includes widespread layoffs. The studio will retain ownership of its intellectual property, including South of Midnight, We Happy Few, and Contrast. This move comes after reports suggested the studio was at risk of closure.
Xbox Layoffs, Studio Closures, And Spin-Offs: Everything Announced Today
Microsoft has announced significant layoffs and studio restructuring within its Xbox division, impacting 3,200 employees over the current financial year, with 1,600 layoffs starting immediately. Several studios, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions, are transitioning back to independent management, while others like Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are seeking new ownership. The company cited financial underperformance and a need to reset its strategy, focusing investment on higher-priority games and core IPs.
Compulsion Games Confirms Retaining Rights to South of Midnight, We Happy Few After Xbox Split
Compulsion Games has confirmed it is returning to independence after its split from Xbox, retaining the rights to its titles South of Midnight, We Happy Few, and Contrast. This news comes amidst widespread layoffs at Xbox, with Compulsion's future now secure despite rumors of closure. The studio aims to continue creating unique games that tell important stories.
As Xbox studios brace for a "reset," South of Midnight developers from Compulsion Games begin looking for work
Developers from Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight, are leaving en masse as parent company Xbox Game Studios undergoes a significant business 'reset'. Multiple reports indicate potential layoffs or closures across several Xbox Game Studios, with Compulsion Games reportedly in talks to spin off independently. Several employees have publicly announced they are seeking new opportunities after years with the studio.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory, And More Reportedly Trying To Spin Off From Xbox Game Studios
Following reports of potential layoffs and studio closures at Microsoft, including Compulsion Games, several smaller Xbox Game Studios developers like Double Fine and Ninja Theory are reportedly negotiating to spin off from the publisher. This move aims to avoid closure, though many employees may still lose their jobs. The head of Xbox Game Studios, Craig Duncan, has also departed the company.
Xbox is reportedly closing South of Midnight studio Compulsion Games after bragging about its award-winning developers…
Xbox is reportedly planning to close Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight and We Happy Few, just days after announcing impending layoffs. While no official statement has been made, multiple employees have indicated they are seeking new work. This comes despite recent praise from Xbox leadership, including CEO Asha Sharma and Chief Creative Officer Matt Booty, for the studio's award-winning work.
GeForce NOW Raises the Game at the Game Developers Conference
NVIDIA's GeForce NOW cloud gaming service is introducing several updates at the Game Developers Conference, including smoother virtual reality streaming at 90 fps and improved game discovery with labels for Xbox Game Pass and Ubisoft+ subscriptions. New titles like Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection and CONTROL Resonant are being added to the library, with Fortnite's "Save the World" mode becoming free-to-play. Account linking with GOG is also planned.
GeForce Now adds GOG syncing and 90fps game streaming in VR headsets
NVIDIA's GeForce Now cloud gaming service has received several updates, including 90fps streaming for VR headsets like Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro for Ultimate members. The platform is also adding GOG syncing, in-app labels for Xbox and Ubisoft accounts, and expanding its Install-to-Play library with select Xbox titles and new cloud-native games.