We Happy Few
News, coverage and analysis tracking We Happy Few across the outlets.
Latest coverage
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.
Comings and Goings
Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight and We Happy Few, has begun an unspecified number of layoffs. The reasons for the staff reductions were not immediately clear.
Amid reports Xbox is preparing for significant layoffs, a wave of staff at South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games announce their departure
Multiple employees have announced their departures from Compulsion Games, the developer of South of Midnight, amid reports of significant layoffs and potential studio closures within the Xbox division. These departures follow news that Microsoft is planning major restructuring across its gaming division, with Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory reportedly among the studios at risk.
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.
Xbox to shut down at least three game developers and no one is safe
Xbox 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.
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 considering closing South of Midnight studio, Compulsion Games, with Double Fine and Ninja Theory also allegedly at risk
Xbox 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.
Report: Multiple Xbox game studio heads negotiating with Xbox to avoid closure
Multiple 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.
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 acquisition
Microsoft 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 Games
Xbox 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 Closing We Happy Few, South Of Midnight Developer Compulsion Games – Report
Microsoft 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.
South of Midnight Maker Said to Be Shuttered by Xbox
Reports 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.
Three Xbox Studios at Risk of Closure, in Talks to Become Independent
Reports 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.
Several Xbox Studios at Risk of Closure, in Talks to Become Independent
Several 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.
Xbox reportedly shutting down South of Midnight dev Compulsion Games
Xbox 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 Games
Microsoft 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.
Moving Valheim away from being an MMO was "the best decision" the team made
Richard Svensson, CEO of Iron Gate Studio, stated that moving Valheim away from an MMO concept was the best design decision for the game. The studio focused on single-player and small group experiences, which allowed for a more manageable scope and unique gameplay for each biome. The article also highlights the book 'Indie Game Works' which features a chapter on Valheim's development.
Review: South Of Midnight (Switch 2) - A Port That Compromises What This Enjoyable Game Did Best
This review of South of Midnight on Nintendo Switch 2 highlights the game's enjoyable narrative and Deep South folktale-inspired setting, but criticizes the port for significant compromises. Issues like texture pop-in, frame drops, and visual fuzziness detract from the game's otherwise strong presentation and atmosphere, leading to a less immersive experience than on more powerful platforms.
South of Midnight weaves a beautiful tale on PS5
South of Midnight, developed by Compulsion Games, has been released on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, following its initial launch on PC and Xbox Series X|S. The game, praised for its narrative exploring generational trauma and its Southern Gothic themes, has received multiple awards, including Games for Impact at the 2025 Game Awards. While the port to PlayStation 5 and Switch offers a visually stunning stop-motion art style, it suffers from minor texture issues and a lack of DualSense controller integration, though accessibility features are extensive.
