Compulsion Games Now Self-Publishes South of Midnight on Steam

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By Gaming News
16 August 2026 no comments
Compulsion Games now manages self-publishing duties for South of Midnight on Steam
Key Takeaways
  • Compulsion Games is now listed as the publisher of South of Midnight on Steam following their split from Xbox.
  • The console listings for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2 still list Microsoft as the publisher during the transition.
  • Compulsion Games retained full IP rights to South of Midnight and its other franchises.

Why Is South of Midnight Now Self-Published on Steam?

Compulsion Games updated the Steam backend in August 2026 to list the independent studio as both developer and publisher of South of Midnight. This shift formalizes the operational separation of Compulsion Games from Microsoft and Xbox Game Studios following the corporate restructuring announced in July 2026.

Data tracking from SteamDB confirmed that Valve updated the publisher credits from Xbox Game Studios directly to Compulsion Games. The copyright entry on the storefront continues to acknowledge Microsoft Corporation for the original 2025 production.

The transfer follows an agreement with Compulsion Games while retaining full intellectual property ownership. Compulsion Games now commands the exclusive commercial rights to Contrast, We Happy Few, and South of Midnight.


How Does the Xbox Restructuring Affect Console Versions?

The console listings for South of Midnight on the PlayStation Store, Nintendo eShop, and Xbox Store currently continue to display Microsoft Studios as the publisher. Digital storefront updates for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2 typically require extended verification and license transfer procedures compared to Valve’s platform.

Platform migrations on closed console networks often experience administrative delays. Industry precedents show that publisher transfers on digital ecosystems occasionally require temporary store delistings while platform holders process transfer paperwork.

South of Midnight originally launched in April 2025 for PC and Xbox Series X/S before expanding to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 on March 31, 2026. All console editions remain fully playable while the publishing entities finalize catalog rights.

Also learn more about Compulsion Games and Double Fine announcement of going independent from Xbox!


What Is Next for Compulsion Games as an Independent Studio?

Compulsion Games is actively seeking external development partners and collaborative publishing opportunities to build upcoming projects. The independent studio retained complete ownership of its creative franchises, including South of Midnight, while utilizing financial transition support provided under the Microsoft separation agreement.

The studio celebrated critical recognition after South of Midnight secured the Games for Impact award at The Game Awards 2025 and Outstanding Achievement in Animation at the D.I.C.E. Awards. The title, despite the low sales, received praise for its stop-motion visual design, Southern folklore themes, and musical integration.

Compulsion Games now operates as a fully autonomous entity exploring multiplatform distribution. The development team is preparing future production schedules while maintaining support for its existing library across PC and modern consoles.

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A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !

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