South of Midnight
News, coverage and analysis tracking South of Midnight across the outlets.
Latest Microsoft victim reportedly being closed after releasing one game since Xbox acquisitionMicrosoft is reportedly closing Compulsion Games, the studio behind We Happy Few and South of Midnight, eight years after acquiring it. This move is part of a larger downsizing within Xbox, which has seen thousands of layoffs and is expected to continue. South of Midnight, Compulsion's only release since the 2018 acquisition, received critical acclaim and awards.
Xbox is reportedly planning to shut down Compulsion GamesXbox is reportedly planning to shut down Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight and We Happy Few. The Peabody-winning studio, acquired by Xbox in 2018, has developed three games since its founding in 2009. Negotiations between Compulsion leadership and Microsoft are reportedly ongoing.- XBOX reportedly shutting down South of Midnight studio as part of new CEO’s ‘reset’Xbox is reportedly shutting down the studio behind the upcoming game South of Midnight as part of a new CEO's strategic reset. This move signals a significant shift in the company's internal development strategy.
- Xbox Closing We Happy Few, South Of Midnight Developer Compulsion Games – ReportMicrosoft is reportedly planning to close Canadian developer Compulsion Games, known for We Happy Few and South of Midnight, as part of a broader restructuring of its Xbox division. This move could impact over 90 employees, and follows recent reports of potential closures for Arkane Studios. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma alluded to difficult changes ahead to improve economic stability.
Several Xbox Studios at Risk of Closure, in Talks to Become IndependentSeveral Xbox first-party studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory, are reportedly at risk of closure and are in negotiations with Microsoft to spin off as independent entities. This news follows comments from CEO Satya Nadella about Xbox needing to become a sustainable business. Compulsion Games' title 'South of Midnight' was recently released on PlayStation 5.- Three Xbox Studios at Risk of Closure, in Talks to Become IndependentReports indicate that three Xbox first-party developers, Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory, are at risk of closure and are in negotiations with Microsoft to become independent studios. This news follows recent speculation about potential studio closures within Xbox Game Studios, with CEO Satya Nadella emphasizing the need for Xbox to become a sustainable business.
- South of Midnight Maker Said to Be Shuttered by XboxReports indicate that Xbox studio Compulsion Games, the developer behind South of Midnight, is set to be closed. This follows speculation about widespread layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division. While not officially confirmed, multiple employees have indicated they are seeking new work, and the studio's writer has also suggested its closure.
Xbox reportedly shutting down South of Midnight dev Compulsion GamesXbox is reportedly shutting down Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight and We Happy Few. This closure, which could affect over 90 employees, comes amid broader financial challenges and restructuring within Xbox's gaming division under CEO Asha Sharma. The report suggests an official announcement is imminent.- Microsoft Has Reportedly Shut Down South of Midnight Developer Compulsion GamesMicrosoft is reportedly planning to shut down Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight and We Happy Few. The closure would mark the end of operations for the Canadian developer.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – June 14, 2026 – Xenoblade makes a run at Pokemon PokopiaThe latest Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of June 14, 2026, show Xenoblade Chronicles making a strong showing, with its upgrade pack at second place and the full game at sixth. Pokemon Pokopia remains at the top spot. New entries in the top ten include The Adventures of Elliot and Rise of the Tomb Raider.
Report – Major layoffs to hit Xbox as CEO claims it is “not in a healthy spot”Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs next month as new CEO Asha Sharma aims to "reset the business," which she described as "not in a healthy spot." These cuts are expected after June 30th and will be accompanied by reduced marketing budgets and other cost-saving measures. Sharma also indicated a need to reconsider the "Project Helix" business model due to the AI chip crisis and stated that the platform's current infrastructure is not optimized for future challenges.
South of Midnight wins big at the 2026 Gayming AwardsCompulsion Games' South of Midnight won Game of the Year at the 2026 Gayming Awards, an event celebrating LGBTQ+ themes and creators in gaming. Other notable winners included Date Everything! for Best LGBTQ+ Indie Game and Team Liquid for LGBTQ+ Contribution to Esports. The ceremony, hosted by Erika Ishii, also highlighted the importance of queer representation in the industry.
Date Everything wins two accolades at The Gayming Awards 2026The Gayming Awards 2026 celebrated achievements in LGBTQ+ representation within gaming. Sassy Chap Games' 'Date Everything' won Best LGBTQ+ Indie Game and the Gayming Fan Favourite Award, while Compulsion Games' 'South of Midnight' took home Game of the Year. The ceremony recognized various categories, including voice acting, content creation, and contributions to esports, highlighting diversity and inclusivity.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – June 7, 2026 – Yoshi reclaims the top spotThe Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of June 7, 2026, show "Yoshi and the Mysterious Book" reclaiming the top spot. "Mina the Hollower" dropped to fourth place, while "eFootball Kick-Off" debuted at eighth. The charts list the top-selling games and download-only titles on the platform.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – May 31, 2026 – Mina the Hollower takes down YoshiThe latest Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of May 31, 2026, show Mina the Hollower debuting at number one, unseating Yoshi and the Mysterious Book. New entries Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen and Stray also made their debut on the charts.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – May 24, 2026 – Yoshi holds off Pokemon Pokopia, Tales of Arise debutsThe latest Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of May 24, 2026, show Yoshi and the Mysterious Book holding the top spot, followed by Pokemon Pokopia. Tales of Arise debuted with two editions in the top ten, while other notable titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza also charted.- Morning Esports and CompetitionsSouth of Midnight was the big winner at the Canadian Game Awards 2026, taking home numerous accolades including Game of the Year. The article also touches on broader esports and competition news.
All The Winners From The 2026 Canadian Game AwardsThe 2026 Canadian Game Awards celebrated excellence in the Canadian video game industry, with South of Midnight taking home Game of the Year and Best Art Direction. Digital Extremes was awarded Studio of the Year, while Victor Lucas received the Game Changer Award and Femme Gaming won the Community Award.
Gayming Awards 2026 Reveals Hosts, Guests, And Early Award WinnersThe Gayming Awards 2026 will celebrate queer geek culture on June 8, hosted by Erika Ishii and Dawn. Trixie Mattel will receive the LGBTQ+ Content Creator Superstar Award, and Darion Lowenstein will be honored with the Gayming Icon Award for his work in authentic LGBTQ+ representation in gaming. The event will feature various segments, including a D&D-style scene, a ranking of video game characters, a custom PC build giveaway, and a reunion of the 'Gaymer Guys'.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – May 17, 2026 – Yoshi overthrows Pokemon PokopiaThe latest Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of May 17, 2026, show "Yoshi and the Mysterious Book" taking the top spot, dethroning "Pokemon Pokopia" due to pre-load sales. "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" and "Outbound" also entered the top ten.