{
  "id": 2613764,
  "title": "Compulsion Games' buyout is complete, so now Microsoft won't get a cut if you buy South of Midnight",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/compulsion-games-buyout-is-complete-so-now-microsoft-wont-get-a-cut",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-22T17:13:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "PC Gamer",
    "slug": "pc-gamer",
    "url": "https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/compulsion-games-buyout-is-complete-so-now-microsoft-wont-get-a-cut-if-you-buy-south-of-midnight/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Compulsion Games has successfully completed the buyout of its original intellectual property games, marking the studio's return to independence after being under the Xbox Game Studios banner. CEO Guillaume Provost confirmed the management buyout, stating that Microsoft has transferred the IP back to Compulsion Games, along with the studio and staff. This move comes after rumors of closure during Microsoft's recent layoff-heavy period. The purchase of South of Midnight, an award-winning game by Compulsion Games, will now provide the studio with a larger share of the revenue, as Microsoft will receive no cut for purchases made outside the Xbox digital storefront. This significant shift highlights a crucial time for the studio known for games such as We Happy Few and Contrast.",
  "summary": "An Xbox Game Studio no more.",
  "key_points": [
    "Compulsion Games completes buyout, returning to independence",
    "Microsoft transfers IP back to studio, staff included",
    "No revenue cut for South of Midnight purchases outside Xbox store"
  ],
  "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."
}