Gaming4Justice Livestream Review: South of Midnight with Maiamama
Calling Up Justice’s very own digital producer Maiamama recently streamed the highly anticipated South of Midnight on our Gaming4Justice channel, and the experience was nothing short of magical. This 2025 action-adventure game by Compulsion Games and Xbox Game Studios transported us into a richly woven, Southern Gothic world full of myth, music, and deep cultural resonance—and our community felt it.
From the moment Maiamama stepped into Hazel Flood’s shoes, we were all captivated. The character design, especially Hazel’s hair, stood out as a rare moment of celebration and care for Blackness in gaming. Often, Black characters are an afterthought when it comes to hair design—but not here. Hazel’s hair was beautiful, textured, and thoughtfully styled. It reflected the lived experience of Black folks, and our viewers noticed. It’s about time we see that level of detail in our representation.
And the soundtrack? Chef’s kiss. The music wasn’t just background noise—it played along with you, echoing every twist of emotion and every plot shift. Lyrical, haunting, and deeply rooted in Southern traditions, the soundtrack pulled us in and never let go. It was more than ambiance—it was storytelling.
The audience watching Maiamama stream loved every minute. Folks were lighting up the chat with praise not just for the gameplay, but for the vibes. The stop-motion animation style gave the whole game a handcrafted, intimate feel, almost like watching a moving piece of art. The game’s weaving mechanic, used for combat, traversal, and puzzle-solving, beautifully tied into themes of connection, healing, and legacy.
Maiamama, as always, brought her warmth, wit, and sharp insight to the stream. Her commentary on the game’s folktale elements and character arcs made it all the more engaging. South of Midnight is more than a game—it’s a cultural artifact, a ghost story, and a celebration of Black Southern folklore. It gave us chills and made us cheer.
If you missed the livestream, catch the VOD—this is one journey worth weaving yourself into.
—Calling Up Justice