After a brief delay pushed its release beyond the initial 2025 window, Supermassive Games has officially locked in a launch date for its cosmic horror debut. Directive 8020, the latest installment in The Dark Pictures Anthology, is now scheduled to touch down on May 12.
Venturing into science fiction for the first time, the studio’s newest project follows the desperate survivors of a colony vessel marooned on the desolate world of Tau Ceti f. Leading the cast is Lashana Lynch (The Woman King, Bob Marley: One Love) as pilot Briana Young. The narrative centers on a terrifying premise: an extraterrestrial entity capable of flawlessly imitating human crewmates has infiltrated the ship, turning trust into a precarious luxury. A fresh trailer has been released to showcase the high-stakes drama and tense action awaiting players.
While retaining the signature choice-driven cinematic style of hits like Until Dawn and The Quarry, Directive 8020 evolves the formula with more immersive gameplay mechanics. Players will navigate fully explorable environments, utilizing stealth and tactical maneuvers to evade threats. The experience can be shared with up to four others via local couch co-op, with an online multiplayer update slated for release later in the year.
To enhance replayability, a new “Turning Points” system allows players to rewind time and alter pivotal decisions. This feature is perfect for those looking to prevent a favorite character’s demise or hunt for missing achievements without restarting the entire journey. Conversely, purists can test their mettle in “Survivor Mode,” which enforces strict permadeath and removes the ability to undo mistakes.
Initially targeted for an October 2025 release, the title faced a setback following internal restructuring at Supermassive Games. Directive 8020 is now set to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC this coming May 12.
