In a recent preview, South of Midnight, an action-adventure platformer from Xbox studio Compulsion Games, demonstrated a remarkable commitment to authenticity in its portrayal of American Southern Gothic folklore. The game's narrative, which draws upon indigenous, African, Creole, and Cajun traditions, is deeply respectful and nuanced, evoking a strong emotional response from players.

The game's story follows protagonist Hazel as she navigates a swamp, searching for her mother who was washed away in a hurricane. Along the way, Hazel discovers her powers as a Weaver, a person who can manipulate the metaphysical strands that connect all life. The narrative is heavily influenced by the cultural heritage of the American South, and the development team took great care to ensure that their representation was accurate and respectful.

Zaire Lanier, a writer on South of Midnight, emphasized the importance of going to the source to tell the story. The narrative team took reference trips to Georgia, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi, and consulted with experts versed in Black southern traditions, including award-winning children's author and storyteller Donna Washington. This commitment to authenticity extends beyond the narrative, with the game's music, audio direction, and voice and motion capture performance all drawing upon the rich cultural heritage of the American South.

The game's audio direction, in particular, is noteworthy, with the team consulting with blues and other southern artists to create an immersive and authentic soundtrack. The performance that triggered an emotional response in the preview was a Nashville gospel children's choir, adding to the game's emotional depth and cultural resonance.

Voice and motion capture performance also benefited from Compulsion's quest for authenticity. Ahmed Best, director of South of Midnight's voice and motion capture performance, praised the team's willingness to listen and learn, saying, "The thing that I really love about Compulsion ... is the fact that they were like, 'we know what we don't know.'" Best, who is most known for his role as Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, brought his expertise to the project, working to bring Hazel to life through her movements and voice.

The attention to detail in South of Midnight's performance is remarkable, with Best emphasizing the importance of subtleties in motion capture and voice acting. The game's commitment to authenticity is a testament to the power of humility and ambition in game development, and its impact is palpable in the emotional response it evokes in players.

South of Midnight launches on Xbox, Game Pass, and PC on April 8th, offering players a unique and deeply immersive gaming experience. With its respectful and nuanced portrayal of American Southern Gothic folklore, Compulsion Games has set a new standard for cultural authenticity in video games.