Compulsion Games’ latest title, South of Midnight, is now available globally on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Game Pass. The third-person action-adventure game invites players into a reimagined version of the American South, where folklore and mystery shape both the environment and narrative.
In South of Midnight, players assume the role of Hazel, a young woman who is chosen to become a Weaver—a mystical figure capable of restoring broken bonds and guiding spirits. Set in the aftermath of a disaster that strikes her hometown, Hazel’s journey unfolds across a world inspired by Southern mythology. She explores eerie bayous, haunted woods, and forgotten towns while confronting supernatural beings pulled from regional folklore.
The game emphasizes storytelling rooted in cultural mythos, incorporating creatures like Two-Toed Tom—a legendary alligator figure believed to be part of real Southern lore. The character of Tom plays a major role in the game’s atmosphere, serving as both a threat and a symbol of the region’s rich storytelling tradition. In-game, Tom is depicted as a massive predator, feared for his size and ferocity. The character’s background ties into the broader themes of survival, transformation, and generational trauma that South of Midnight seeks to explore.
To celebrate the launch, Xbox staged a unique promotional event in Marrero, Louisiana—an area chosen for its swampy, atmospheric resemblance to the game’s setting. There, a full-scale recreation of Two-Toed Tom was installed. The statue measures 40 feet long, with jaws standing over twice the height of an average adult. Inside the recreation is a 20-foot gaming cabin, modeled after Hazel’s in-game home. The space is outfitted with four 42-inch screens and Xbox Series X consoles, offering visitors a first-hand look at the world Compulsion Games has created.
The in-game version of Hazel is equipped with magical abilities that evolve throughout her journey, giving players new ways to interact with the environment and combat foes. As a Weaver, she can manipulate the threads that connect spirits and memories, which play into both combat mechanics and puzzle-solving. The game leans into a darker visual tone, with a distinctive art style that mirrors its themes of decay and transformation.
Compulsion Games, known previously for We Happy Few, developed South of Midnight with a focus on narrative depth and environmental storytelling. The studio worked closely with cultural consultants to ensure that the folklore elements were integrated with respect to their origins. The game’s environments are handcrafted to reflect the mood of each chapter, enhancing the immersive experience through sound design, lighting, and pacing.
South of Midnight is available now, and is included with Xbox Game Pass at launch. Players interested in folklore-based storytelling, exploration, and action-oriented gameplay may find Hazel’s journey through the mythic South a compelling experience.
