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Compulsion Games regains independence through Xbox buyout
Compulsion Games, the Canadian developer of South of Midnight, has officially completed a management buyout to regain independence from Xbox. Following a massive restructuring wave at Microsoft, the studio successfully negotiated to reclaim ownership of its intellectual property and publishing rights for its catalog, including Contrast, We Happy Few, and South of Midnight.
CEO Guillaume Provost stated that the decision to remain together as an independent entity was driven by the team, noting they would rather “eat rocks and drink gasoline” than be split up. While the transition of rights across various digital platforms is ongoing, purchases of the studio's titles will now directly support the developer.
This move follows broader instability within Microsoft Gaming. Xbox has been undergoing significant layoffs, with approximately 3,200 positions affected within the division. Labor groups, including the Communications Workers of America, have held protests in several cities across the US and Canada to oppose these cuts.
Similarly, Double Fine Productions has also reclaimed its IP and returned to independent status following its split from Xbox, announcing permanent price reductions for certain titles like Kiln and Keeper.
Entities
Asha Sharma · Compulsion Games · Double Fine · Guillaume Provost · Microsoft · South of Midnight · Xbox · Xbox Insiders
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Users will be able to delete unused local save files to free up storage space.
- [● 3 SOURCES] New system features are currently being tested by Xbox Insiders.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Purchased games will be automatically removed from the wishlist.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Home dashboard will allow users to hide the UI to show the background.
- [● 3 SOURCES] A new Day One badge will be introduced to celebrate the Xbox One launch on November 22, 2013.
- [● 3 SOURCES] An update is planned for release in October.