Compulsion Games Regains Independence: Microsoft Gets No Cut from South of Midnight

Summary

Compulsion Games has officially completed its buyout and regained independence from Microsoft. As a result, Microsoft will no longer take a share of the proceeds from purchases of the studio's acclaimed title, *South of Midnight*. The game was one of 2025's standout releases, earning an 83% score in our review, with contributing editor Andrea Shearon calling it 'a Deep South delight drenched in superstition and pain.' Previously operating as a first-party Microsoft studio, Compulsion now enjoys greater autonomy and direct financial benefit from its work. While the specifics of the agreement are not public, the move signals a growing trend among mid-sized studios with major publisher backing to seek independence after completing buyouts. For players, this means that buying *South of Midnight* now provides direct support to the developers. For the industry, it raises questions about how publisher-studio relationships may evolve. If you've been on the fence about the game, this is a great moment to jump in and back a talented independent team.