Exclusive: South Of Midnight Interview with Jasmin Roy, and Whitney Clayton

Lords Cognito and King David sat down with Compulsion Games in New York City to talk about South of Midnight. Both members of the Iron Lords Podcast interviewed Jasmin Roy, the Game Director, and Whitney Clayton, the Art Director. The interview went deep and discussed every aspect of the game ahead of its April launch.

South of Midnight – A Deep Dive into Gameplay, Art, and Narrative

South of Midnight is an upcoming action-adventure game that blends unique gameplay mechanics with a captivating narrative and distinct art style. Players will step into the shoes of Hazel as she embarks on a 10-12-hour journey to find her mother. The game looks to blend platforming, combat, and exploration, all while being deeply rooted in a modern folktale inspired by the Deep South.

Innovative Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay in South of Midnight is designed to be both engaging and fluid. Hazel, a weaver, relies on a magical spindle and hooks to traverse the environment with abilities such as gliding, wall-running, and double-jumping. What sets this game apart is its infusion of magical weaving mechanics into the platforming, creating a visually stunning and unique experience. 

Jasmin Roy said that the combat system is equally agile, emphasizing dodging, strategic hook usage, and magical abilities to overcome enemies. South of Midnight features an “unravel” mechanic that allows players to regain health by mastering combat timing, adding a rewarding layer of strategy. 

The game’s pacing and progression ensure a strong sense of momentum, with the world dynamically transitioning from mundane to magical as players journey through different regions.

A Visually Striking World in South of Midnight

During the interview, the lords mentioned that one of the standout features of South of Midnight is its art style, which is heavily inspired by stop-motion animation. This aesthetic is brought to life with rich textures, dynamic shadows, and HDR lighting, creating a world that feels both alive and slightly sinister. Drawing inspiration from films like Pan’s Labyrinth, the developers have crafted an environment that is memorable and immersive.

The game’s setting in the Deep South is meticulously realized, capturing the region’s unique atmosphere, architecture, and folklore. The environment itself is designed as a character, with detailed sound design and music further enhancing the sense of place. The art team’s dedication to craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from the foliage to the character designs, making each element feel handcrafted and meaningful.

Narrative and Themes

South of Midnight tells a compelling modern folktale where Hazel searches for her mother. The narrative is intricately linked to the game’s magical weaving mechanics, which are inspired by traditional textile art. The story delves into themes of loss, pain, and cleansing, exploring Hazel’s growth as she learns about her role as a weaver and the world around her. The game aims for emotional depth, balancing dark and alluring tones to create a resonant experience.

Immersive Audio and Technical Excellence

The audio design in South of Midnight plays a crucial role in creating an immersive experience. The game features a dynamic music system with songs that react to player actions, seamlessly integrating with the gameplay. Ambient sounds from the Deep South, including cicadas and swamps add to the immersive experience. Moreover, the soundtrack of the game is a collaboration with local musicians, adding authenticity to the setting and ambiance.  

Both directors confirmed that the game is targeting 60 FPS on Xbox Series X and S. In addition, the developers have also included various accessibility options. This includes the option to adjust or disable the stop-motion visual effects.

A Labor of Love

The development team behind South of Midnight has poured their heart and soul into the project, which was revealed back in 2023. Both Roy and Clayton expressed immense pride in their team’s hard work and dedication, emphasizing the collaborative effort across all departments. 

The game is set to release on April 8th on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and Game Pass.