Supermassive Games Sets May 12 Launch for Sci-Fi Horror Title Directive 8020

Supermassive Games, the studio behind Until Dawn, has officially announced the release date for its highly anticipated sci-fi horror game, Directive 8020. The game is scheduled to launch on May 12 for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Pre-orders are now available on consoles, with physical editions also being offered. Those who pre-order will receive a free Deluxe Edition upgrade, which includes an outfit pack and collectibles themed around the studio's previous Dark Pictures games, a cinematic filter pack, a digital soundtrack, and an artbook.

Starring Bond actress Lashana Lynch, Directive 8020 marks Supermassive Games' foray into the sci-fi genre. The story is set on the crashed colony spaceship Cassiopeia, blending the studio's signature narrative horror with a new interstellar setting.

The game retains familiar elements from past Supermassive titles, such as multiple protagonists, choice-based gameplay, and the possibility of main characters dying if players make poor decisions. However, Directive 8020 introduces several notable upgrades, including improved visuals, controls, and stealth mechanics. A key new feature allows players to rewind and revisit key "Turning Points" in the story to explore alternate paths and potentially prevent character deaths. For series veterans, an option to play without this rewind feature will be available, ensuring that decisions remain final.

Directive 8020 has been in development since at least 2022 and represents a departure from the studio's annual release pattern seen in The Dark Pictures Anthology. Originally announced for an October 2025 launch, the game was delayed due to the impact of recent redundancies.

At launch on May 12, the game will support single-player and up to 5-player couch co-op. Online multiplayer will be added in a free post-launch update.

Directive 8020 arrives three and a half years after the last main Dark Pictures Anthology title, The Devil in Me. Supermassive Games has indicated that this installment is designed to be more standalone, with minimal appearances from the franchise's recurring Curator character.