South of midnight

"South of Midnight" is an upcoming third-person action-adventure game developed by Compulsion Games and published by Xbox Game Studios. The game is scheduled for release on April 8, 2025, for Windows PC and Xbox Series X/S platforms. Players who opt for the Premium Edition will gain up to five days of early access, starting April 3, 2025.

Set in a fictionalized American Deep South, "South of Midnight" immerses players in a Southern Gothic world rich with folklore and mythos. The narrative follows Hazel, a young woman on a quest to find her mother after a hurricane devastates their hometown of Prospero. Throughout her journey, Hazel discovers her abilities as a Weaver someone who can manipulate the metaphysical strands connecting all life. This power enables her to confront mysterious creatures known as Haints and mend the fabric of reality itself.

The gameplay emphasizes exploration, combat, and puzzle solving, with Hazel's weaving powers central to these mechanics. The developers have drawn inspiration from indigenous, African, Creole, and Cajun traditions to create an authentic Southern Gothic experience. The game's aesthetic is influenced by stop motion animation, lending a unique visual style to its cutscenes.

Music plays a significant role in "South of Midnight," featuring compositions inspired by the American South. The original soundtrack is composed by Olivier Deriviere, known for his work on various video game scores.

For those interested in additional content, the Premium Edition includes digital extras such as an artbook, the original soundtrack, a comic book titled "The Boo-Hag" by Rob Guillory, a music video "Songs & Tales of South of Midnight," and a documentary "Weaving Hazel’s Journey, Director’s Cut." "South of Midnight" will be available on Xbox Game Pass from its release date, allowing subscribers to access the game at no additional cost.