{
  "id": 2389258,
  "title": "Compulsion Games officially separates from Xbox – \"The team told me we would rather eat rocks and drink gasoline than be split up\"",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/compulsion-games-officially-separates-from-xbox-the-team-told-me-we",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-21T13:52:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GamesIndustry",
    "slug": "gamesindustry",
    "url": "https://www.gamesindustry.biz/compulsion-games-officially-separates-from-xbox-the-team-told-me-we-would-rather-eat-rocks-and-drink-gasoline-than-be-split-up"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Compulsion Games has severed its ties with Xbox, with management purchasing both the studio and its staff. CEO Guillaume Provost made the acquisition a priority for the team. Provost inquired if the team desired to remain united, only to receive the resolute response that they would rather consume rocks and gasoline than be separated. Some employees departed following Provost's warning of a potential closure, prior to Xbox's announcement of its intention to dismember the studio. In response to the platform holder shedding 20% of its workforce, Provost deemed the separation a favorable outcome. Provost expressed gratitude towards Microsoft for the gracious exit, emphasizing that these instances offer change and opportunity. Provost envisions a future where Compulsion Games gains back ownership of its intellectual properties, including 2013's Contrast, 2018's We Happy Few, and 2025's South of Midnight. The publishing rights are also reverting to Compulsion Games. The transition period involves different platform holders acquiring these rights. Provost is actively engaging with various parties to ensure the studio's long-term sustainability and is exploring permanent funding alternatives. Compulsion Games aspires to achieve self-sufficiency and is receptive to collaborations with other developers and IP holders. Provost remains committed to ensuring the team's success, taking a measured approach and engaging with all relevant parties.",
  "summary": "Compulsion Games is now independent from Xbox, with management acquiring both the studio and its staff. Read more",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}