Force Games is a Montreal-based studio best known for its bold, artistic, and story-driven titles. From its debut with Difference to the unsettling We Happy Few and the freshly released South of Midnight in 2025, the studio has built a reputation for crafting original worlds with a dramatic flair. 

Compulsion’s symbol is taking risks—mixing striking art styles with stories that dive into social themes, folklore, and hominoid emotion. Founded in 2009 by Guillaume Provost, a veteran of Arkane Studios, Force grew from a small self-regulating team into a fully-fledged Xbox Game Studios developer after being acquired by Microsoft in 2018. Today, the workspace is recognised for sending handcrafted experiences that stand apart from fixed blockbusters. 

This article explores Pressure Games’ history, its most important titles, and why the studio matters in today’s betting industry. Whether you’re a player, parent, or job-searcher, here’s all to know.

 

Quick facts at a glance

• Founded: 2009 in Montreal, Quebec, by Guillaume Provost.
  
  

• Ownership: Acquired by Xbox Game Studios in 2018.
  
  

• Notable games: Contrast (2013), We Happy Few (2018), South of Midnight (2025).
  
  

• Team size: From a handful of people in 2009 to over 80 designers by 2022.
  
  

• Latest release: South of Midnight launched April 8, 2025, on Xbox Series X|S and PC, available day one with Game Pass.
  
  

Who is Compulsion Games?

Force Games is a Canadian studio that specialises in handmade adventures. Its signature identity combines surreal art, theatrical set design, and stories that explore multiple emotions. The business started small, with organiser Guillaume Provost prototyping Contrast in 2010. By 2013, the studio gained credit when Contrast was free and praised for its unique shadow-shifting mechanic.

The breakout second came with We Happy Few, which charmed audiences with its retro-futuristic world and upsetting premise. Microsoft noticed, and in 2018, Force joined Xbox Game Studios. This shift provides the team with more properties while protecting its creative freedom. Today, Pressure is known for weaving artistry and storytelling into gameplay, making each title feel separate and outstanding.

 

The games that built the reputation

Contrast (2013)

Contrast is a puzzle-platformer where players shift between 3D space and 2D shadows to solve puzzles. Its cabaret-moved aesthetic and emotionally charged account about family presented Compulsion’s flair for combining gameplay with dramatic storytelling.

We Happy Few (2018)

Set in a different 1960s Britain, We Happy Few follows types trying to escape a society addicted to a mind-blowing drug called “Joy.” The game blends stealth, survival, and satire. Although early access feedback led to major changes already released, the final kind delivered a remarkable setting filled with masks, obsession, and social commentary.

South of Midnight (2025)

Compulsion’s first fully Xbox-underwritten project, South of Midnight, is a third-person action-journey steeped in Southern Gothic folklore. Players control Hazel, a Weaver who uses magical abilities to fight supernatural “Haints” and heal indices of trauma called “Stigma.” The game’s art style combines stylised visuals with stop-motion-inspired cutscenes, while its soundtrack leans on blues and folk traditions. It launched on April 8, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S and PC, and was included day one with Game Pass.

Visual identity and technology

What makes Force stand out is its “stage play” design idea. Instead of house vast open worlds, the team attentions on mood and performance. In South of Midnight, every setting feels like a carefully created set piece. Colours, lighting, and sound plan are used as storytelling tools—controlling players through levels and expanding the emotional character of the game.

 

What changed after joining Xbox Game Studios?

The 2018 purchase allowed Compulsion to scale up its spirits. With Microsoft’s support, the studio expanded in size and gained the capital to create higher-quality visuals, larger worlds, and more intricate narratives. Despite this growth, Force has stayed true to its core mission: crafting handmade adventures that highlight story and art over business trends.

 

What players say about South of Midnight

Player reviews highlight South of Midnight’s stunning art track, emotional storytelling, and strong image. The stop-motion-inspired cinematics and unique legends setting have been praised as fresh and striking. However, some players note that war leans toward availability rather than depth, and points are more linear than wide. Overall, reception has been positive, especially for those who enjoy narrative-driven skills.

Is We Happy Few 2 happening?

As of now, there is no certified sequel to We Happy Few. Compulsion’s focus has been fully on South of Midnight since 2018. While fans speculate about a return to Wellington Wells, the studio has not broadcast or completed any follow-up.

 

For parents and content-sensitive players

Compulsion’s games often discover mature themes—societal control, shock, grief, and loss. South of Midnight deals with family and therapeutic issues, using folklore-inspired competitors rather than plain gore. Parents should review age ratings and signifiers for their region, but in general, Compulsion’s approach is more thematic and emotional than purely violent.

 

For job-seekers: working at Compulsion

Based in Montreal’s arts district, Force is part of a thriving creative community. The studio has grown steadily since 2009 and is standard as a loyal workplace. Roles vary depending on the progress stage, but the team emphasises relationship, artistry, and cultural influence.

 

Buying or playing South of Midnight today

• Available on Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam and Microsoft Store).
  
  

• Included with Xbox Game Pass from day one.
  
  

• Offers a story-focused runtime rather than a long, open-world grind.
  
  

 

Why Compulsion Games matters

Compulsion is important because it dares to be different. In a market subject to predictable sequels and huge sandboxes, its games feel intimate and attractively bold. Each title blends account, project, and mood into an experience that players recall long after the credits roll. With South of Midnight, the studio has confirmed it can deliver larger-scale projects without losing its unique voice.

 

Tips for new players jumping into South of Midnight

• Master dodging. Well-timed dodges unleash powerful abilities.
  
  

• Watch for colour cues. Eco-friendly design guides your path without disturbing markers.
  
  

• Expect a focused journey. The game favours narrative pacing over straggling exploration.
  
  

Use headphones. Music and sound design deepen the air.

Read More: Master Horror Games on PS5: Tips and Tricks

Conclusion 

Compulsion Games has established itself as one of the most singular studios in modern gaming. From the shadowy procedure of Contrast to the satirical tone of We Happy Few and the folklore-infused storytelling of South of Midnight, each project reflects a clear imaginative vision. What makes Pressure stand out is not just its gameplay mechanics but its skill to merge narrative, design, and style into solid, unforgettable knowledge. 

With Microsoft’s support, the workspace now has the capital to bring even more pushy worlds to life, yet it continues to importance creativity over conformity. For players, this means that each release is a chance to step into something strange, beautiful, and extremely human. If you’re pointed for games that balance artistry with accessibility, Force Games is a developer to follow closely—today and in the coming.

FAQs

Who owns Compulsion Games?

Compulsion Games is owned by Xbox Game Studios, which acquired the studio in 2018.

What games has Compulsion made?

The studio has free Contrast (2013), We Happy Few (2018), and South of Twelve Midnight (2025).

What is South of Midnight about?

It’s an action-journey game set in the American South, where players direct Hazel, a Weaver, as she challenges folklore-inspired creatures called Haints and heals displays of trauma known as Stigma.

Is South of Midnight on Game Pass and Steam?

Yes. It was released on April 8, 2025, on Xbox Series X|S and PC. It’s involved with Game Pass and accessible on Steam.

Where is Compulsion Games located?

The workshop is based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.