It was a huge night for Compulsion Games at The Game Awards 2025. Not only did they walk away with the prestigious Games for Impact award, but they also used their acceptance speech to drop some major news for PlayStation and Nintendo fans. The studio confirmed that their spellbinding action-adventure, South of Midnight, will officially break its Xbox exclusivity and launch on PlayStation 5 and the Nintendo Switch 2 in Spring 2026.
Originally released in April 2025 for Xbox Series X/S and PC, the game has been praised for its unique art direction and heartfelt storytelling. Now, a whole new audience is about to get lost in the Deep South.
A Southern Gothic Fairytale
If you missed the initial hype, South of Midnight is a third-person action-adventure that oozes style. You play as Hazel Flood, a young woman who discovers she is a “Weaver”—a magical protector capable of mending broken spirits. After a hurricane tears through her hometown of Prospero, Hazel embarks on a journey through a fantastical version of the American South.
The game is steeped in real-world folklore. You aren’t fighting generic goblins here; you are facing down “Haints” and legendary creatures like the Two-Toed Tom and the Altamaha-ha. The narrative tackles heavy themes of generational trauma and environmental disaster, but wraps them in a hopeful, magical coming-of-age story. It is easy to see why it snagged the Games for Impact award.
Stop-Motion Magic on Switch 2
One of the most striking things about South of Midnight is its visual style. The game uses a rendering technique that mimics stop-motion animation, giving character movement a jerky, claymation-like quality that feels incredibly distinct. Seeing this art style running on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is going to be a treat.
The gameplay revolves around Hazel’s weaving magic. You use it to traverse the world—grappling onto air currents and sliding down magical threads—and to fight. Combat is rhythmic and puzzle-like, requiring you to “unravel” enemies rather than just beating them to a pulp. It is a system that rewards patience and timing, fitting perfectly with the game’s thoughtful tone.
Xbox’s Multiplatform Strategy Continues
This announcement is the latest in a growing trend of Microsoft bringing its first-party titles to rival consoles. Following in the footsteps of Hi-Fi RUSH, Sea of Thieves, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, South of Midnight proves that Xbox is serious about expanding its software reach.
For PlayStation and Nintendo players, this is a huge win. Compulsion Games (creators of We Happy Few) have crafted one of the most atmospheric worlds of the generation, and come Spring 2026, everyone will get to experience it.
Conclusion
Spring 2026 is shaping up to be a busy season, but make sure you save room for this one. Whether you are playing for the rich folklore, the incredible soundtrack, or just to see what that stop-motion animation looks like on your PS5, South of Midnight is an adventure worth taking. Welcome to the South, y’all.
FAQs
When is South of Midnight coming to PS5?
The game is scheduled to release on PS5 in Spring 2026.
Is South of Midnight coming to the original Nintendo Switch?
No, the announcement specifically cited the Nintendo Switch 2 (or whatever Nintendo’s next console is officially called).
What genre is the game?
It is a third-person action-adventure game with a focus on platforming, magic-based combat, and narrative exploration.
Do I need to play previous Compulsion Games titles?
Not at all. South of Midnight is a completely standalone new IP with no connection to We Happy Few or Contrast.
Who is the main character?
You play as Hazel Flood, a Weaver who uses magic to repair the world and fight off creatures from Southern folklore.