South of Midnight Surpasses 1 Million Players: Is Game Pass the Key to Success?
South of Midnight, the action-adventure game from Compulsion Games, has reached a significant milestone: surpassing 1 million players in its first three weeks since its release on April 8, 2025. While it's difficult to pinpoint the exact breakdown between Game Pass subscribers and full purchases, the numbers suggest that Xbox Game Pass played a crucial role in the game's early success.
According to Compulsion Games CEO Guillaume Provost, achieving over a million players is a testament to the studio's focus on delivering unique and engaging experiences. Speaking with GameRant, Provost highlighted that South of Midnight's deep Southern setting and storybook aesthetic resonated with a broad audience. He stated, "I can confidently say we've had more than a million players on South of Midnight since its release."
This achievement positions South of Midnight among other successful Game Pass titles like Atomfall and Avowed, which also saw impressive player numbers soon after launch. While South of Midnight's Steam peak of 1,483 players indicates a heavy reliance on Game Pass, the overall reception points to a winning formula for Xbox.
Provost emphasized that Compulsion Games' mission within Microsoft isn't to replicate blockbuster franchises like Call of Duty. Instead, their objective is to contribute games that offer distinctiveness and appeal to underserved audiences. He expressed his passion for creating diverse experiences that resonate with people from all walks of life. "[Our role] is not to make blockbusters like Call of Duty, but to provide games that add distinctiveness, where we can either serve audiences that haven’t been served before or create projects that add diversity to the portfolio."
The game's Southern Gothic flavor appears to have struck a chord with players. Provost noted that the team deliberately focused on a region underrepresented in video game settings. While titles like Kentucky Route Zero and Red Dead Redemption have touched on aspects of the American South, South of Midnight delves deeper into the area's mythology and iconic elements.
Despite the positive player numbers, South of Midnight hasn't been without criticism. Some reviewers have pointed out that while the game boasts striking visuals and wonderful performances, the combat can become repetitive. However, the overall package seems to have resonated with a large audience, thanks in part to its accessibility through Game Pass.
South of Midnight's success raises important questions about the future of game distribution. Does Game Pass represent a paradigm shift, where accessibility trumps traditional sales models? And can smaller studios thrive by focusing on creating unique experiences rather than chasing blockbuster status?
What are your thoughts on South of Midnight's success? Do you think Game Pass is the future of gaming? Share your opinions in the comments below!
