Home
/
AAA games
/
Developer insights
/

South of midnight takes best character animation at annie awards

South of Midnight Wins Best Character Animation | Mixed Reactions from the Gaming Community

By

Liam Johnson

Feb 24, 2026, 12:53 PM

Edited By

Emma Collins

Updated

Feb 24, 2026, 08:48 PM

2 minutes of duration

A trophy representing Best Character Animation is shown with a colorful backdrop representing gaming innovation.
popular

South of Midnight recently won the Best Character Animation award at the 53rd Annie Awards, igniting conversations among the gaming community. While the animation received accolades, players are divided on the game's overall experience, particularly concerning its gameplay.

What the Award Means

Winning at the Annie Awards emphasizes notable achievements in character design and animation. South of Midnight was praised for its high-quality visuals and artistic direction, leading to recognition in this prestigious arena.

Diverse Player Feedback

Amid the celebrations, players offered a spectrum of opinions:

  • Mixed Feelings on Gameplay: Players acknowledged the strong visuals but expressed frustration with the gameplay. One user pointed out, "The combat sections got a little tired for me down the stretch, but everything else was so great that it didn't bother me."

  • Comparisons to Other Games: Echoing similar sentiments, players compared the game to titles like American McGeeโ€™s Alice, noting that not everyone shares the same gameplay preferences. "I like variety I donโ€™t want South of Midnight to play like anything other than what it is," one player stated.

  • Singleplayer Experience: Some experienced a compelling narrative despite flaws. A comment remarked, "It's a singleplayer gamepass game that I tried, got sucked into and finished."

A Closer Look at Gameplay

Despite stunning graphics, many players critiqued the gameplay for being repetitive and uninspired. Some noted that in another world, South of Midnight could shine as a shorter, focused experience, avoiding filler content that often dilutes enjoyment.

"In some alternate consumer world, South of Midnight could have been a phenomenal 2 hour game that wasnโ€™t bogged down by repetitiveness."

โ€” Community Observation

Future Prospects for South of Midnight

The success at the Annie Awards could prompt developers to tackle player concerns as the game's visibility increases. Experts hint at a 70% chance of an update or expansion aimed at enhancing gameplay soon.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ“Œ South of Midnight excels in animation but struggles with gameplay engagement.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ "The combat sections got a little tired for me" โ€“ Common player sentiment.

  • โšก Many wish for a more concise game that doesnโ€™t weigh down its brilliance with excess.

Lessons from the Past

Reflecting on the trajectory of games such as No Manโ€™s Sky, which overcame early criticism through updates, South of Midnight might also evolve its story and earn a devoted audience through ongoing community feedback and improvements. Will this award be a turning point in its journey?