South of Midnight
News, coverage and analysis tracking South of Midnight across the outlets.
Amid reports of closures to Ninja Theory and Compulsion Games, Xbox Game Studios CEO Craig Duncan is stepping down from…Xbox Game Studios CEO Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O'Connor are stepping down amid reports of significant layoffs and the closure of studios like Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine. Duncan, who previously led Rare for 14 years, had been CEO for less than two years. These changes follow a strategic "Xbox reset" outlined by CEO Asha Sharma.
Xbox Game Studios-chef lämnar – efter 20 månaderCraig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, has resigned after only 20 months, with chief of staff Louise O'Connor also departing. This follows recent news of potential studio closures and layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division. The departures occur amidst a strategic shift for Xbox, including price adjustments to Game Pass and a re-evaluation of multi-platform releases.- Xbox Game Pass Soldiers on With June 2026 Wave 2 Lineup AnnouncementMicrosoft has announced the Xbox Game Pass lineup for June 2026 Wave 2, amidst reports of potential studio closures and mass layoffs affecting developers like Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games. The company has not yet commented on these reports.
Another Xbocalypse begins: Microsoft are reportedly closing or spinning off Double Fine, Ninja Theory and CompulsionMicrosoft's Xbox division is reportedly considering closing or spinning off studios Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games as part of a broader business restructuring. This follows recent layoffs, game cancellations, and studio closures across Xbox. The affected studios are known for critically acclaimed but not commercially massive titles like Psychonauts, Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, and South of Midnight.
Xbox to shut down at least three game developers and no one is safeXbox is reportedly planning to shut down at least three game development studios, including Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine, as part of a broader 'reset' and layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division. Ninja Theory is reportedly seeking a new buyer, while Compulsion Games and Double Fine are in negotiations to become independent. This follows previous studio closures and layoffs at Xbox, such as Tango Gameworks and The Initiative.
Microsoft reportedly negotiating closures of multiple Xbox studios, including Psychonauts' Double Fine, South of Midnight's Compulsion and Hellblade's Ninja TheoryMicrosoft is reportedly negotiating the potential closure of several Xbox game studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory. These studios are in talks to buy back their independence to avoid being shut down. This news follows recent reports of budget cuts and layoffs under new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma.
Several studios at risk of closure amid Xbox restructuringSeveral internal Xbox studios, including Double Fine, Compulsion Games, and Ninja Theory, are reportedly at risk of closure or being shut down as part of a global restructuring. These studios are in discussions with Xbox to potentially go independent or secure their future. This move follows previous closures of Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin and comes as Xbox shifts focus to major IPs like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, amidst broader industry challenges including layoffs at Ubisoft.
Multiple Xbox Studios Reportedly In Active Negotiations With Microsoft To Avoid ClosureMultiple Xbox game studios, including Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Double Fine, are reportedly in active negotiations with Microsoft to avoid closure. Some studios may be given the opportunity to go independent or find a new buyer. Employees at Ninja Theory have been informed of potential closure, and Arkane Studios is also reportedly concerned about its future.
Hellblade Studio Ninja Theory to be Closed by Xbox, Negotiating to Go Independent – RumorReports indicate that Xbox is planning to close Ninja Theory, the developer of the Hellblade franchise, as part of efforts to improve fiscal year accountability margins. Ninja Theory is reportedly negotiating to become an independent studio, similar to efforts by Double Fine and Compulsion Games. These potential closures and layoffs are expected to occur after Microsoft's fiscal year ends on June 30th, driven by declining revenues and rising hardware component costs.
Compulsion Games May Be The First Studio To Fall In Xbox’s Restructuring Plans – RumorRumors suggest that Compulsion Games, the developer behind South of Midnight, may be one of two studios Xbox plans to close as part of a restructuring. This follows reports of impending layoffs, though the studio's leadership is reportedly in negotiations with its parent company. Other studios like Obsidian and Rare are believed to be safe.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory, And More Reportedly Trying To Spin Off From Xbox Game StudiosFollowing 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.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory reportedly among multiple Xbox studios rushing to negotiate an exit as Microsoft plans more…Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning further studio closures and restructuring, with Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games in negotiations to spin off independently. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty have indicated the current business model is unsustainable, leading to expected layoffs and studio cuts, following the recent closure of Tango Gameworks.
Xbox is reportedly considering closing South of Midnight studio, Compulsion Games, with Double Fine and Ninja Theory also allegedly at riskXbox is reportedly considering closing several of its game development studios, including Compulsion Games, the developer of South of Midnight, and potentially Double Fine and Ninja Theory. Leadership at Compulsion Games is reportedly in negotiations regarding the studio's future, amidst broader reports of potential layoffs and restructuring within Microsoft's gaming division.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory & Compulsion are reportedly negotiating with Microsoft to avoid closuresMultiple Xbox Game Studios developers, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Ninja Theory, are reportedly negotiating with Microsoft to avoid closure and potentially gain independence. While independence could prevent full shutdowns, layoffs are still expected. This news follows an announcement from Xbox CEO about a business 'reset' and restructuring.
Report: Multiple Xbox game studio heads negotiating with Xbox to avoid closureMultiple Xbox game studio heads are reportedly negotiating with Microsoft to spin off their studios into independent companies to avoid closure. This comes as Microsoft's gaming division undergoes a 'business reset' and considers major layoffs. Studios like Compulsion Games, developer of South of Midnight, are specifically mentioned as potentially shutting down, though leadership is in talks to preserve their future.
Rumours suggest multiple Xbox studios are to closeRumors suggest Microsoft is planning to close multiple Xbox studios, including Compulsion Games and Arkane Studios, with potential spin-offs for Double Fine. The head of Xbox Game Studios, Craig Duncan, has also stepped down amid these reports. These potential closures follow underperforming titles like South of Midnight and Redfall, and broader industry discussions about the sustainability of day-one Game Pass releases.
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.
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.