In the game South of Midnight, developed by Compulsion Games and Xbox Game Studios, the narrative unfolds in a mystical rendition of the American Deep South. The protagonist, Hazel, serves as an authentic portrayal of a young African-American woman growing up in this region. According to Zaire Lanier, the game’s lead writer and narrative designer, this representation is significant for her during the development process.
Lanier expresses her enthusiasm about this character trait: “I believe that kind of representation matters; I think Hazel’s qualities – her kindness, empathy, and bravery – are really cool.” She further adds, “It’s important to me that a 12-year-old might play this game; they could dress up as Hazel for cosplay.”
When I inquired about Hazel’s friendly nature, Lanier confirmed that it was a deliberate decision to connect with her powers. Hazel is a Weaver, and her magical abilities are expressed through threads and strings. A significant part of the story revolves around how she concentrates on helping people, even if they have transformed beyond their human form.
Lanier emphasizes, “I considered it crucial for Hazel not to become cynical because that can be very easy. I wanted her to remain a genuinely nice person throughout.” She further explains, “Hazel has a fun personality at heart.
In the Southern Gothic world depicted in South of Midnight, Hazel encounters chilling legends such as Huggin’ Molly and Two-Toed Tom. Lanier, the writer, explains that they aimed to blend the eerie tales typical of Southern Gothic folklore with traditional ones, creating a unique blend. According to Lanier, fixing a broken item (or being) doesn’t automatically mean everything becomes perfect; instead, it provides new possibilities for choices to be made.
Southern Gothic is inherently strange and unsettling in its nature. South of Midnight delves into dark themes, a choice Lanier made with caution, acknowledging that sensitive topics like tragedies and traumas should be handled thoughtfully, keeping in mind the importance of providing an appropriate context and weight for such subjects.
We blended the gloomy, dark tales typical of Southern Gothic folklore with traditional folktales, creating a unique fusion.
Speaking as a fan who appreciates deeply layered narratives, I must say that from what I’ve experienced thus far, South of Midnight tackles some weighty themes yet manages to instill a sense of empathy and hope throughout. As someone who hails from the South myself, I find certain aspects of the game particularly intriguing. However, it’s crucial to note that this is a profoundly human tale that transcends boundaries and can resonate with anyone willing to dive in. With anticipation building, I eagerly look forward to unraveling the rest of the story.
The game titled “South of Midnight” is scheduled to debut on April 8, 2025 across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Windows PC platforms. Similar to other Xbox first-party games, it will be available for play on day one with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription or on a PC. By pre-ordering the Premium Edition, you’ll gain early access from April 5.
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2025-02-11 20:09