Compulsion Games, the developer behind the narrative RPG South of Midnight, has officially completed a management buyout, severing ties with Microsoft and Xbox. The studio is now operating as an independent entity, a move that follows a wave of layoffs within Microsoft that initially placed the developer at risk of closure.
Quick Facts
- Independence Status: Compulsion Games is now a fully independent studio.
- IP Rights: The developer retains full ownership of its intellectual properties, including South of Midnight.
- Profit Allocation: Future revenue from Compulsion Games titles will now fund the studio's operations rather than Microsoft.
- Platform Status: The South of Midnight Steam page has been updated to reflect Compulsion Games as the publisher.
According to CEO Guillaume Provost, the decision to pursue a buyout was a strategic choice to preserve the team following the company's internal restructuring. While the studio was originally slated to be dropped by Microsoft, the buyout provides the team with the autonomy to manage its own development pipeline and financial future.
Looking ahead, the studio is actively seeking new partnerships. Provost noted that the team is open to providing support work for other studios, aiming to secure additional revenue streams to sustain the development team as they move forward independently. While specific details regarding the terms of the buyout remain private, the studio is currently engaged in discussions with potential partners to maintain operations.