Compulsion Games becomes independent from Xbox
Compulsion Games becomes independent from Xbox
Updated at: August 22, 2026 at 04:00 AM
In a major shake-up for the gaming industry, Montreal-based developer Compulsion Games has officially regained its independence.
Following a management buyout from Xbox in August 2026, the studio is moving away from its parent company after being acquired by Microsoft in 2018.
This decision was largely driven by a massive corporate restructuring at Xbox, which saw significant staff reductions and the divestment of several studios.
CEO Guillaume Provost led the buyout to prevent the team from being disbanded, a move he described as a gracious separation supported by Microsoft.
As an independent entity, Compulsion Games now retains full ownership of its notable titles, such as We Happy Few and South of Midnight.
As part of a broader 'Xbox reset' that has seen other studios return to independence, Compulsion Games is now navigating its future with optimism, prioritizing team unity and the development of new projects in an increasingly competitive market.
