Xbox eyes next-gen ip as forza horizon 6 looms
Microsoft is quietly laying groundwork for a future beyond the immediate blockbuster rush of Forza Horizon 6 and Fable, signaling a long-term commitment to original IP within the Xbox ecosystem. While the console giant enjoys a strong 2026 lineup, Compulsion Games, a key Xbox Game Studios studio, has initiated hiring for a brand-new, undisclosed project – a move that suggests a deliberate push for sustained growth.
A canadian studio's bold pivot
Compulsion Games, acquired by Microsoft in 2018, recently released South of Midnight, a title now poised for a PlayStation 5 debut on March 31st. Despite a solid initial reception—boasting over a million players at its May 2025 launch—the studio, led by Guillaume Provost, isn't resting on its laurels. Joe Palm, co-founder of Compulsion Games, revealed via LinkedIn that the studio is actively seeking both permanent and temporary roles for this fresh intellectual property. This isn’t a mere refresh or spin-off; it’s a clean slate.
Lead Gameplay Programmers and Engine Programmers are sought for full-time positions, while twelve-month contracts are available for Gameplay Programmers FTC, Senior Level Designers, and Senior Character Artists. The breadth of these roles—spanning programming, design, and art—indicates the project is in its formative stages, suggesting a considerable timeline before release. The company remains tight-lipped regarding the project’s narrative, genre, or setting. But the commitment to a wholly original IP aligns with Compulsion’s history: Contrast, We Happy Few, and South of Midnight, all distinct creations.
Beyond sales figures: a long-term strategy
Microsoft’s willingness to back original content, evidenced by this hiring spree, underscores a strategic shift away from solely relying on established franchises. While South of Midnight achieved impressive player numbers, precise sales figures remain elusive, a common challenge in the modern gaming landscape. The success of this new venture hinges not just on initial sales, but on cultivating a studio known for creative risk-taking. Compulsion Games’ track record demonstrates an appetite for innovation, even if that innovation doesn’t always translate into immediate commercial dominance.
The focus now shifts to Compulsion Games and the trajectory of this ambitious project. It's a calculated bet—a move to secure a future for Xbox built not just on familiar faces, but on the emergence of entirely new worlds. The studio’s future, and perhaps a piece of Xbox’s, rests on the shoulders of this yet-to-be-seen creation.