Compulsion Games has formally parted ways with Xbox. According to team members, "The team told me we would rather eat rocks and drink gasoline than be split up"

Compulsion Games has achieved independence from Xbox through a management buyout, encompassing both the studio and its workforce.

CEO Guillaume Provost explained to GamesBeat that his priority was preserving the team. He recounted asking his team if they wanted to remain united, to which they expressed a strong preference to do so over splitting up.

While Provost didn't specify the number of current employees, it was reported by GamesBeat that some departed following his caution about a potential closure. This occurred prior to Xbox's announcement to separate from the studio, which came amid a 20% workforce reduction by the company.

Provost remarked on the situation's relativity by stating that considering the alternative of losing their jobs entirely, the outcome was favorable, acknowledging Microsoft's "gracious" exit approach.

Such events, Provost believes, present avenues for transformation and growth. Launching ventures during challenging periods equips companies with resilience and resourcefulness, traits emphasized by the current economic climate. He draws parallels between the present and the context when he originally established the studio.

Provost expressed enthusiasm for reclaiming control over the studio's intellectual properties, allowing the continuation of their tradition of crafting unique and eccentric narratives and environments.

Having regained ownership of its IPs, Compulsion Games now controls titles such as Contrast from 2013, We Happy Few from 2018, and the upcoming South of Midnight set for 2025.

Provost further stated that the studio will recover publishing rights, though this involves a transition process involving different platform holders, implying that purchasing the games aids the studio through this change.

He is actively pursuing stability for Compulsion Games by engaging with various parties and considering numerous options for long-term financial backing.

The goal is for Compulsion Games to achieve self-sufficiency. Provost is presently gathering insights and looking into potential partnerships, remaining open to collaborations with other developers and IP owners.

Overall, Provost wants to ensure the team's future success, emphasizing a gradual approach and collaboration with other stakeholders. He is optimistic about reaching their business goals, aligning the team's aspirations with maintaining a profitable enterprise.