Overview

Xbox is set to enthrall gamers with its upcoming release, "South of Midnight," a captivating adventure game that transports players to an enchanting alternate reality of the American Deep South. Scheduled to hit the market in 2025, this narrative-driven title from Compulsion Games showcases the journey of Hazel, a Black teenage girl, as she encounters magic and mystery in a beautifully crafted world.

Game Insights

Exciting insights about the game's story and mechanics have been shared in a new documentary titled "Weaving Hazel's Journey," which was released by Microsoft Gaming. David Sears, creative director of the project, describes "South of Midnight" as a heartfelt "love letter" to the Deep South. The team consciously sought to involve various perspectives to accurately represent the complexity of Southern culture, bringing onboard consultants and drawing from the personal experiences of team members from the region.

Inclusivity in Storytelling

Art director Whitney Clayton emphasized the importance of inclusivity in their portrayal of the South: “It was crucial for us to gather a wide range of voices. We aimed to depict a fantastical Deep South that embraces both dark themes and the beauty of the culture. While Hazel's personal story is central, we wanted to honour the richer narratives that exist.”

Representation Matters

Nona Parker Johnson, the actress portraying Hazel, shared her reflections on Southern representation in media: “Growing up, the portrayal of the South seemed very limited and often stereotypical. I’m proud to show the depth of Black culture and female relationships in our game,” she said, highlighting the game's emphasis on community bonds and strong female characters.

Gameplay Mechanics

"South of Midnight" is characterized as a third-person action-adventure game, where players will join Hazel and her magical companion, Catfish, as they explore a Gothic-infused version of the Deep South. Hazel's unique ability to "weave" will play a crucial role in combat, allowing her to battle fantastical creatures, including Two-Toed Tom, an imposing albino alligator that symbolizes the trauma experienced by its kind.

Attention to Detail

Adriyan Rae, who provides the voice for Hazel, talked about the effort put into crafting an authentic Southern accent. “It was vital for us to convey an intelligent and articulate character while retaining her Southern roots,” Rae explained. The meticulous attention to detail is evident, as the creative team ensured Hazel's voice reflected both her heritage and her intellect.

Themes and Narrative

The game's narrative will dive into deep themes of loss, trauma, and personal history, with game director Jasmin Roy elaborating on the project’s core philosophy: "The past inevitably influences the present.” As Hazel unravels her family's secrets, players can expect a thought-provoking journey through both the enchanting and challenging aspects of Southern life.

Future Possibilities

Even though "South of Midnight" is still a year away, the team is already dreaming big about Hazel’s future. Performance director Ahmed Best expressed hope for further stories involving Hazel, whether through sequels or adaptations across various media. "Such a thick and rich world holds endless possibilities for Hazel’s character," Best said. “Imagine a prequel—call it ‘North of Noon.’”

Release Information

Excitement is building as we anticipate the launch of "South of Midnight," which will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, Steam, and through Cloud Gaming. It will also be included in the Xbox Game Pass from day one, marking it as a must-play title for gamers eager to explore a bold new narrative experience.

Watch the Documentary

Catch a glimpse of this mesmerizing journey by watching the full documentary, "Weaving Hazel's Journey," and see how this enchanting adventure takes shape!